WHY DO DOGS EAT CAT POOP?

By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 29 February, 2024

There are certain things that animals do that we, as humans, just can’t get away with - nor would we want to! If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably seen your pooch eat a few questionable items that you’d rather not think about., If you own both cats and dogs, one of those gross-out moments might have been seeing your dog munch on your cat’s poop.

We've all been there, right? Yes, this is not the most appetizing thing to think about, especially when your dog wants to “kiss” you right after engaging in such behavior! No, thanks!

“Un-fur-tunately”, it's a reality that most fur-parents face and if you've been looking for the answer as to "why do dogs eat cat poop?", you've come to the right place. Not to say that we're experts or anything, but we do know a thing or two about keeping the dog out of the litter box and how to prevent it!

WHY IS MY DOG EATING CAT POOP?

So why on earth would a dog do something as nasty as eating poop? Talk about having unique preferences!

Poop eating, known scientifically as coprophagia, is quite common among dogs and is typically linked to either a behavioral or medical issue, which we will expand on below.

When it comes to eating cat poop, experts explain that the poop actually carries the aroma of the cat food very recently digested by your furry feline. Thus, a dog is attracted to its scent and views it as a potential snack.

1.Behavioral Reasons

Unfortunately, in many dogs (and perhaps most), eating feces becomes a habit. In fact, some dogs actually seem to enjoy eating it. This can become a very difficult habit to break.

2.Medical Reasons

While it's not the norm, we do come across medical reasons for dogs snacking on cat poop pretty often. The top suspect being? Malnutrition! It's like they're on a quest for better flavors because they're not getting all the nutrients they need from their diet. Homemade meals or those not AAFCO-certified might be the culprits (check the label for the scoop).

CAN CAT POOP MAKE DOGS SICK?

Now that you know why your otherwise esteemed doggo thinks cat poop makes a suitable snack - blech! - you’re likely wondering if it’s bad for your dog to ingest. Could it make him sick? Good question!

Our “fur-ends” over at the American Kennel Club say that cat poop could possibly hurt your pup in the event that the cat poop is carrying some sort of parasite or harmful bacteria. Some of these bacteria or parasites can be transferred to your pup even though your cat does not exhibit any signs of illness. Furthermore, cat litter can be harmful if it builds up inside of your pet’s stomach.

DOES DOG EATING CAT POOP AFFECT MY CAT?

Does it bother your cat to have the family dog eat her poop? You bet!

Your cat thrives on privacy and a sense of peace and security wherever their litter box is placed. Having the dog come and go as they please may frustrate your cat and is likely to prevent a harmonious environment among the pets within your household.

After all, how would you like it if someone kept interrupting your toilet time?

HOW DO I STOP MY DOG EATING CAT POOP: HOME REMEDIES

So, your dog's eating cat poop and it's harming their health. Not to mention the fact that your cat's feeling a little uneasy with their unwanted visitor! What can be done to stop this gross habit from happening and to ensure a happy “fur-mily”?

To deter your dog from consuming feces, you might want to explore the option of vitamin or enzyme supplements. These supplements can be beneficial if your dog is ingesting feces because of a deficiency in specific nutrients like vitamin B.

Enter Door Buddy!

Door Buddy is a practical solution that helps keep the dog out of your cat’s litter box and stops your dog from eating cat poop! By using Door Buddy on the door leading to your cat’s litter box, your dog will no longer be able to get into the room, but your cat will still be able to access their own private area.

Door Buddies are affordable, simple to use, and make a great gift for any loving pet owner. Try one, and you’re guaranteed to have happier dogs and cats in no time flat!

CONCLUSION: WHY DO DOGS EAT CAT POOP

As we highlighted above, dogs eating cat poop can just be a bad habit or it could be a sign of a deeper issue where there is a problem with their nutrition.

Apart from the yucky factor the major issue with dogs raiding the cat’s litter box is pups who snack on poop might end up with tummy troubles or even pick up unwanted guests like gastrointestinal worms.

If you catch your furry friend in the act, just gently steer them away or use your Door Buddy to give your cat back its space. And if you're still scratching your head about it, it's always cool to chat with your vet for some expert advice.

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