HOW TO KEEP DOG OUT OF LITTER BOX

Sharing your love with both your cat and dog is a wonderful thing. There’s nothing quite like seeing your two favorite pals get on!... That is until your doggo gets into the kitty litter. As you've probably guessed, cat litter for dogs is not healthy!

If you live in a multi-pet household, you probably already know that this has its own challenges. Most often it’s the trouble of keeping your dog away from the nasties your cat leaves behind! We don't know of a dog proof litter box that exists... yet! We also don't know of litter for dogs that's safe to snack on.

Dogs raiding the kitty litter is a problem fur-parents have faced for ages and there are many reasons behind it! But, the truth is, your dog likes to sample the delights of the kitty litter box because it smells of cat food. We all know how dogs are natural scavengers and love to get their paws on an extra snack or two. Of course, this isn’t ideal for pet owners but it can also ruffle a few cat feathers too.

CAN YOU LITTER TRAIN A DOG?

Luckily, having a dog that can’t resist the litter box can mostly be harmless and can be easily remedied. However, if left unsolved, you can run the risk of opening your home to potential parasitic infections that can be harmful to your pets and yourself. Not to mention the disgust you may feel when you’re rewarded with a sloppy lick moments later. Read the full story on dogs eating cat poop here.

So, can you litter train a dog? Here’s the good news: there are a few ways for you to dog proof your litter box! In our opinion, it's always a good idea to train your puppy to stay out of the litter box from as young as you can. For ways on how to keep dog out of litter box, read on. Finding the right option for you can help ensure happy harmony for the whole household while keeping the stress levels to a minimum.

HOW TO KEEP DOG OUT OF LITTER BOX:

Do dogs have litter boxes? No, and we don't want them in the cat's ones either. When it comes to how to keep dog out of litter box, you have a few options. Before looking up a magical spray to keep dog out of litter box or investing in dog proof litter box furniture, take a look!

do dogs have litter boxes - article image

1. Install a pet gate

If your cat litter is in a dedicated room that you rarely enter, using a pet gate is one way to keep the dog out of the litter box. However, it can be fairly costly and complicated to install - not to mention the hassle of figuring out how it works!

A pet gate can be a great option for families who are willing to put in the work. You see, if the kitty litter is in a room that you frequently access, you might just get the workout you’ve been looking for by constantly getting up!

Another downside to using a pet gate for dog proofing is the added challenge of opening it when your hands are full, or waiting for your cat’s meow when it's time for them to do their business.

Lastly, many people tend to forget that bigger dogs can easily jump over the gate. It happens more than you’d think! Luckily, there are a few pet gate alternatives available.

2. Consider an enclosed cat litter box

An enclosed cat litter box might look and smell more pleasing to us, but that doesn’t mean it is always a cat-friendly solution. It also does not make for a dog proof litter box.

All cats are different, but many cat lovers know that confined spaces can make their kitty feel uncomfortable and possibly even stressed when trapped. Have you ever wondered why cats hate closed doors? Our fickle friends tend to prefer an easy entry and exit when it comes to their bathroom habits.

Aside from limiting your kitty’s space, an enclosed cat litter box might not be the solution for all dog owners. While bigger dogs may be stopped in their tracks, it’s the smaller dogs that you have to keep your eye on!

Smaller dogs won’t be stopped from sampling the contents of a closed litter box and can still easily pop their heads or tongues in for a quick rummage. As we mentioned earlier, a cover does not make for a dog proof cat litter tray! In terms of cat box solutions, this one will depend on your kitty! You can also consider an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box in these instances.

3. Try Dog Training Techniques

Dog proofing the litter box can be as easy as teaching your dog "stop it" or "leave it". Teaching your dog these commands can be a great aid in purfecting their behavior and stopping the madness until dog proof litter boxes exist!

Before you start dog training, make sure to stock up on the treats! Rewarding good behavior will help reinforce the commands and show your pooch that this is how they should act. For teaching the commands, keep an eye on your dog. As they approach the litter box, stop them in their tracks with a "stop it" or "leave it".

If they hear your command and act correctly, reward this action. If not, try again but say the command louder. Soon enough, they should pick up on your intentions and start following suit. It's a lot to remember, but the good news is that we have free resources to help guide you through it.

On the downside, this can take days, even weeks to get right. On top of this, it doesn't guarantee that your dog won't get into the litter box when you're not around. Any word on those dog proof litter boxes yet?!

4. Visit the Vet

Did you know that one of the main reasons why dogs eat cat poop is a nutrient deficiency? Despite the ick factor, this can be a good indicator that a trip to the vet is needed, especially seeing as cat litter for dogs is not healthy.

Your vet will be able to do a full health check and help you navigate supplementing your dog's diet. With a little bit of effort and love, finding the right mix of food and potential vitamins, your dog should stop their feasting ways.

5. Keep the Cat Boxes Clean

One sure way for solving how to keep dog out of litter box is frequent cleaning! Without any tootsie rolls to snack on, your dog won't have the need to indulge. Kind of like when we're on a diet, right? No chocolate stashes = no sweet treats!.. Except, the hooman diet does seem more palatable than forbidden kitty Roca!

When your cat has finished its business, try swooping in as soon as possible. The less time between pooping and cleaning, the better! This will reduce the chance of your pooch sniffing out the treasure.

This seems like a simple enough solution unless you're not home all day! Let's be honest, watching your cat's toilet routine isn't on most of our to-do lists. That being said, make sure to schedule a few checks throughout your day. Soon enough, it will become a part of your routine.

Dog Proof Litter Box Ideas - article image - best kitty litter box to keep dogs out

6. Place your Best Kitty Litter Box Out of Bounds

Another simple solution to giving your cat their space and privacy is making sure the litter box is unreachable. Sometimes the best kitty litter box to keep dogs out is one your doggo can't find! If your dog has easy access to the forbidden goods, you better believe they're going to take full advantage!

Most people place their cat's belongings in a separate room with the door closed. This is an effective way to make sure cat litter for dogs does not become a regular delicacy! However, what about your cat?

It's no secret that cats hate closed doors. You may have heard their meows of terror a few times when they've been locked up! This will be something where you have to weigh up your pros and cons. On the one hand, the dog is kept out, but on the other, your cat is left with anxiety and stress. Not to mention the constant having to get up and let your cat in and out!

7. Snap-on a Door Buddy Door Latch

It’s true that pet gates and covered kitty litter boxes are some of the more popular answers to dog proofing, but have you considered an even easier solution?

Using a simple and affordable latch is a quick and convenient solution for how to keep dog out of litter box. It also provides owners with the freedom to continue throughout their day without being disturbed by frequent meows or a scuffle in the litter!

Using a pet door latch gives your cat everything they need while keeping your dog out. Unlike the covered litter box, your cat has the freedom to roam in and out of rooms with the latch being adjusted to suit the right width of your puurfect pet.

What’s even better is that when using a Door Buddy latch, you can adjust the width to suit both your cat and dog. This means that while your cat has easy access to their litter boxes, your doggo can’t jump over or paw through any gaps! Gone are the days of being grossed out and dealing with frustrated cats! You can create your very own diy dog proof cat litter box.

Think of how much easier your life can become without the hassle of navigating a cumbersome baby gate, or trying to master dog training commands!

Door Buddy does the hard work for you. In other words, it's a must for all fur-milies with cats, dogs, and even curious toddlers who can't seem to get enough of the litter box.

If you're worried about pinched fingers, we hear you. An adjustable door strap and slammed doors can be a terror on their own! However, our foam door stopper is the purfect solution. This prevents doors from slamming and keeps fingers and tails safe.

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Don't believe us? Just take a squiz of our 25,000 5-star reviews below. Door Buddy has been a fan favorite for thousands and we hope we become a staple in your home too!

BUT WHAT ABOUT HOW TO KEEP SMALL DOG OUT OF LITTER BOX?

If you've gotten to the end of our tips blog post on how to keep my dog out of the litter box and you're wondering how your little chihuahua or miniature poodle will do, we've got you covered.

You can figure out how to keep small dog out of the litter box by reading this article here. You can even use these tips to help navigate how to keep puppy out of litter box. However, when it comes to pups, we do think it's best to nip that kitty Roca habit in the bud. You can try these puppy training tips here or try your hand training your dog to stay out of the litter box.

FUN FACT: Can you use cat litter for dogs? The answer to this is yes, if you train your small dog to use the litter box properly. However, we prefer litter boxes for cats only.

As pet parents, it’s only normal that you’d want the best for your fur-babies - as both hooman parents and furbaby parents, we get you! Who would have thought that the biggest challenge of raising cats and dogs would be arguing about how to keep dog out of litter box? Finding the right dog proofing solution for your household is the key to keeping a happy and healthy home for all! If you need to keep a baby out of the litter box, Door Buddy works for that too.

For more pawsome pet information, such as our top cat training tips, keep reading our blog!