Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat anything and everything. For some dogs, that really does mean anything – even the contents of your cat’s litter box. Yuck!

Experts say dogs may eat cat poop for a variety of reasons, like nutritional deficits, boredom, or even anxiety.

Learn more about these factors below, and get tips on stopping or redirecting the behavior.

1. Their Diet Lacks Nutrients

Some dogs eat poop because they aren’t getting enough nutrients from their food.

This might happen if they eat low-quality food, don’t eat enough, or have a tummy problem that stops them from using the nutrients in their food.

2. They’re Curious About the Taste or Smell

Some dogs are just curious! They might sniff around and even eat cat poop because they wonder what it tastes like, says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian with Better Pet.

Even though cat poop smells bad to us, dogs often like strong smells and rolling in gross things.

3. They’re Scavenging

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Many pups have no problem scavenging for food from the trash can or counter surfing.

So, it’s not a huge leap for them to steal “snacks” from the litter box.

4. They’re Bored

Dr. Alleyne says boredom can also drive a dog to chow down on the contents of your cat’s litter box.

Without proper enrichment, bored dogs can make their own fun – and a full litter box can seem like a toy chest in their mind.

5. They Have a Behavior Problem

Sometimes, mother dogs eat their puppies’ poop to keep their space clean. Puppies might see this and start doing it too. If they keep doing it as adults, it can become a habit.

Other dogs may eat cat poop as a compulsive behavior to soothe anxiety or stress.

Is Cat Poop Toxic to Dogs?

Even though it seems gross for a dog to eat poop, it doesn’t always make them sick, especially if they only do it sometimes.

But eating poop can still be risky, especially cat poop. Here are a few reasons why:

• Bacteria & diseases. Cat poop can have germs like salmonella or E. coli, which can make your dog feel sick.
• Parasites. Cat poop can have harmful parasites, like tapeworm, giardia, ringworm, and toxoplasmosis.
• GI blockages. Dr. Alleyne says when dogs eat cat poop, they might accidentally eat the litter too. If the litter gets wet, it can clump together. This can cause a blockage in your dog’s stomach, which can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

What to Do After Your Dog Eats Cat Poop

After your dog eats cat poop, quick action is key. Dr. Alleyne says the best first step is to make the litter box inaccessible to them. You can do this by:

• Scooping ASAP. Don’t allow cat poop to linger in the litter box and tempt your dog. Scoop the box daily, or spring for an automated litter box that does it for you.
• Changing your litter box style. Use a litter box with high sides that your dog can’t easily crane their neck over. Or better yet, try a covered litter box.
• Moving the box. Move the litter box to a room your dog can’t access. For extra security, you can also install a cat door that’s too small for a dog to fit through.

How to Keep Your Dog From Eating Cat Poop

Even if you block off the litter box, your dog might still sneak a bite or two. While it might be tempting to punish your dog for eating poop, punishment won’t help fix the problem. In fact, if your dog eats poop because they’re anxious, punishing them can make it worse.

To really help your dog stop this habit, you need to find out why they’re doing it. Here are some ideas to help:

1. Try a new diet. Make sure your dog is getting enough nutrition from their food. Check that their food meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Some homemade dog foods might not have everything they need, so it’s best to choose vet-approved dog food from the store.
2. Teach basic commands. Teach your dog the command “leave it.” Use this command whenever they show interest in the litter box, so they learn to stay away.
3. Up the enrichment. For bored dogs, give them a few well-placed toys, such as a snuffle mat or puzzle. This can make them less interested in the litter box.
4. Exercise more. Tired dogs are less likely to get into trouble. Take your dog for more walks or spend extra time playing with them to help burn off energy and meet their exercise needs.
5. Invest in anxiety training. If your dog seems anxious, they might need special training to help them feel better. For example, you could try separation anxiety training to help them cope.

When to See a Vet

If your dog starts eating cat poop because of a health problem, take them to the vet. They can check your dog’s health and help create a treatment plan. For example, they might suggest giving your dog a special supplement to help them digest their food better.

If your dog has a blockage in their stomach from eating litter, they will need emergency treatment right away. Here are some signs that your dog might have a blockage:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain and swelling
• Changes in body temperature
• Dehydration
• Lethargy

Emergency vet visits can be scary for you and your pup, not to mention expensive. To make the experience less stressful, a pet insurance plan can cover dog emergencies and save you from a surprise vet bill.