My dog Dog eating cat poop- [Should I be worried]
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If you have a cat, it’s just a matter of time until your dog discovers and consumes some of their faeces. Some dogs may even begin to regard it as a delicacy.
Veterinarian Maya Zamir investigates why your dog gets thrilled about “cat snacks” and how to stop this disgusting behaviour.
Dogs are scavengers by nature and incredibly curious, therefore they frequently eat stuff they shouldn’t! But what if your dog ate cat faeces? What if your dog ate cat excrement as well as kitty litter? Unfortunately, this is an extremely unpleasant habit that is also fairly widespread.
Many dog owners have to cope with their canine friends rummaging through the cat’s litter box in search of “kitty goodies.” There are various reasons for this, but it is not without risk for your dog.
Your main concern is probably how harmful it is and whether it may get Fido ill. In general, if your dog ate a couple of kitty poo chunks, they should be alright.
Is Cat Poop Bad For Dogs?
Yes, they are, there are certain hazards to eating cat excrement. Salmonella and E.coli are two pathogens that can be found in it. Some of these can cause your dog to get ill, while others can be carried by your dog and passed to you.
Furthermore, the cat might have been on medicine that was expelled in the excrement, which could be dangerous to your dog. Cat faeces can include intestinal parasites like worms, which can then infest your dog.
If the excrement is coated with cat litter, the situation becomes considerably worse.
Cat litter (especially clumping cat litter) can induce intestinal obstructions in dogs if consumed in excessive quantities.
My Dog Eaten Cat Poop. What happens next?
If Fido has just begun rummaging into the litter box, you’re probably wondering what you should do next.
While the quantity consumed, as well as whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, do matter, there are a few common actions you can take to safeguard your pooch.
Step 1: Safeguard Your Puppy
Remove your dog from the area so he doesn’t ingest any additional excrement.
If you’re going for a stroll, entice your dog with a goodie. If it’s your cat’s litter tray, you might want to relocate Fido to another room while you clean.
Step 2: Make certain that nothing else was eaten.
Has any cat litter, for example, been swallowed alongside cat faeces? Chemicals are present in certain cat litter.
This is critical to recognise whether your dog has taken something dangerous. While most litters are suitable for pets, they are not intended for human consumption.
Step 3: Make an appointment with your veterinarian.
This is vital if you suspect your dog is unwell or has consumed a considerable amount of litter.
If they are otherwise healthy and have not consumed anything other than excrement, you may want to observe them to see if any symptoms arise.
What happen when My dog ate Cat poop
In most situations, consuming cat excrement will result in poor breath and maybe minor, self-limiting gastrointestinal discomfort like vomiting or diarrhoea.
However, your canine pet may get an infection that causes long-term problems.
If your dog has eaten excrement from a stray cat, they are more likely to have difficulties.
Certain animals have been shown to contain germs that domestic pets do not, making their excrement dangerous to ingest.
Giardia
Giardia is a minute parasite known as a ‘protozoa,’ which may infect a wide range of organisms.
Toxoplasma
Toxoplasma Gondii is a small parasite that frequently infects cats, but they can spread it to other animals via their faeces.
Most healthy dogs will exhibit no indications of infection, however young or immunocompromised dogs may develop toxoplasmosis symptoms.
Worms
Tapeworm is the most prevalent worm illness that may affect both dogs and cats (Dipylidium caninum).
These parasites’ microscopic eggs are transferred into the cat’s faeces, but they must be swallowed by a ‘intermediate host’ such as a flea, mouse, or rabbit before they can infect a dog. They are typically not captured straight from the excrement.
Dog Eating Cat Poop from the Litter Box? Here’s How to Stop It
Clear out the litter box.
Often A soiled litter box is more appealing to your dog than a clean one. Scoop your cat’s litter box everyday and replace the litter monthly to keep it as clean as possible. To reduce odour, use crystal litter. This kind
Teach you Fido The ” Drop it” Command
When your dog sticks his nose in the litter box, it’s time to educate him to “drop it.”
When you find your pet attempting to investigate the cat’s toilet, tell him to “Drop it” in a stern tone. Give him a treat if he obeys.
If he ignores you, repeat the demand louder. It’s critical to say the order often so your dog gets the hint.
Keep the Litter Box where you Pooch cant Reach
For instance keeping the litter box behind a sofa, prevents access to your dog with a carefully positioned baby gate or another piece of furniture.
Or even better Place the litter boxes on a laundry table or countertop where your dog cannot reach them.
Just make sure your cat can reach the boxes readily and comfortably, especially senior cats who may be suffering (sometimes “in quiet”) from arthritis or other unpleasant ailments.
Use a baby gate or another device to prop open your basement, bathroom, or closet door wide enough for your cat to pass through while keeping your dog out.
This Simply will not work if your dog and cat are the same sizes
Supplements for Cat Food
You may feed your cat vitamins that make its excrement less appealing to dogs. This should only be done after you’ve exhausted all other options.
Always with your cat’s veterinarian first to ensure that this is safe to do.
Purchase a Dog-Proof Litter Box
If everything else fails, you will need to physically prevent your dog from reaching the litter box, which will necessitate the use of a barrier.
There are dog-proof litter boxes with coverings available. Your cat will be able to enter, but not your dog. Alternatively, you may put the litter tray somewhere in the house that your dog cannot get. You might accomplish this with a baby or dog gate or fence.
The bars should be broad enough to allow your cat to get through but narrow enough to prevent your dog from getting through.
Why does My dog eats Cat Poop often
3 Reasons Dogs Eat Litter Box Cat Poop
Is your dog stealing “treats” from the litter box? It may seem revolting, but many homes with dogs and cats face this problem. Here are three reasons why dogs consume litter box cat excrement.
Taste of cat poop
As horrible as it may sound, your dog may like the flavour of excrement.
When you think about it, the cat’s excrement probably tastes like cat food, and most dogs would happily eat cat food whenever they have the chance.
Your Fido is Bored:
Dogs may plunder the litter box because they are bored. Getting inside the litter box adds some fun to their day. If you believe this is the case, expelling your dog’s excess energy may be beneficial.
One or two daily walks are usually suggested.
A vigorous play session or two each day can also help your dog burn off some of his energy.
Lastly lack of nutrition
Eating cat excrement may indicate a vitamin shortage in your dog’s diet. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect a nutritional problem. You may need to adjust your dog’s diet to a higher fat, fibre, or protein recipe. Your dog may also require additional vitamin B and iron.
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Wrapping up!
Eating cat excrement is a totally natural, if nasty, behaviour for your dog.
They do it because it is available and tastes and smells wonderful. If it becomes a habit, it may indicate that anything is amiss, and you should consult with your veterinarian.
Meanwhile, there are several things you may do to discourage the habit, including nutrition, training, and physical obstacles. Best wishes
About Content Reviewer & Vet Expert OnBoard: Dr. Zoe Adams, from St Kilda Vets. Dr, Zoe is passionate about pets and loves sharing her knowledge and research with you. At Pet Paws Hub, we strive to be the ultimate resource for learning everything about Owning & Caring for your pet!