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How do I get my dog to stop eating bird seed?

I love to have a bird feeder in the backyard but my dog eats all the fallen bird seed. I know it's not good for him, but nothing has helped. Any suggestions?

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Small fence or pot sounds like they would work. You could also try placing the feeder over a bush or other shrub that birds may find fun and while your dog does not.

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I had neighbors in the apartment complex who were dumping seed by the gallon onto the lawn; my vet didn't worry about the actual seed as much as about the bacteria in the bird droppings that birds leave when they feed. He said he has treated several dogs for giardia they got from eating bird poop when they scrounge for dropped seeds . (They were also leaving piles of sunflower seeds, bread and other human food out for the birds at the foot of my stairs and i needed both my doctor and my social worker to file complaints to get it stopped). Please don't endanger a dog because you like to watch birds -- move the feeder or stick to the tiny round seeds that don't seem to have much scent, unlike sunflower seeds.

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Would it be possible to erect a barrier around the bird feeder? Something like the plastic decorative fencing you can find at Home Depot, etc. ? I think I also saw something about adding red pepper to the feed to keep squirrels away. Might have the same effect on your dog too. I'm not sure how good it is for the birds, though, and I'd rather manage the situation than apply a punishment.

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You can place a tall potted plant underneath the bird feeder so the seeds will fall into the pot vs on the floor. (On a side note be aware that feeding the birds will also bring rats and other rodents to your feeder as well. )