How To Keep Your Dog Out of Your Cat’s Litter Box | Chewtorials

Описание: Why do dogs eat cat poop, and how can you keep your dog out of the litter box? Follow our expert tips below.



Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

Dogs are naturally scavengers, and cat feces—rich in undigested protein from feline diets—can be enticing due to their strong odor and texture. This behavior, called coprophagia, is relatively common.



Dogs of all ages can be interested in litter boxes, but especially those in their adolescent years who start exploring and investigating larger areas.



Here are a few reasons dogs might eat cat poop:

Hunger/Snacking

Boredom

For Attention

Medical Reasons



Is Cat Poop Dangerous for Dogs?

There are several health risks associated with cat poop. According to our experts, these include:

● Cat feces may contain Toxoplasma gondii or bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.

● Ingestion of cat poop and clumping litter can cause stomach pains or intestinal blockages in dogs.



Immediate risks of eating cat poop may include:

○ Vomiting

○ Diarrhea

○ Lethargy

○ Systemic infections



Certain cat diseases or parasites can be passed on to a dog who eats their waste.



Another concern: If a cat is on medication, such as dewormers or antibiotics, the residues in their waste can be harmful to dogs.



5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box

Here are five ways to keep your pup out of the litter box. But before you make any changes, consider their impact on your cat. Cats can be picky about their litter box preferences, and sudden changes may inspire them to relieve themselves elsewhere—not an ideal outcome.



Make changes slowly, and if your cat starts urinating or defecating outside of their litter box, return their setup to normal and explore new tactics.



1. Train Your Dog

Training your dog to stay out of the litter box is a great way to prevent them from investigating your cat’s bathroom.



Teach a solid “leave it” command using high-value treats. When your dog ignores the litter area, reward them for doing so, and redirect them to a dog toy or puzzle feeder. You can also praise them for a job well done.



2. Change the Litter Box Placement

Is the litter box in a central area of your home? Changing its placement may be key to keeping your dog out.



Place the litter box in a closet with a doorstop latch that only cats can navigate. You can also put it in an elevated location, such as on top of a sturdy shelf, to deter your pup.



3. Use a Pet Gate

Creating a physical barrier with a pet gate is another way to stop your curious canine from getting to your kitty’s litter box.



You can install a pet gate that has a cat-size opening to keep your dog from accessing the litter box area. After some time, your dog will refocus their attention on something more interesting.



4. Keep the Litter Box Clean

There’s more to keeping your dog out of the litter box than preventing access. The crucial second step is regularly cleaning the litter box.



Scooping the litter box after every time your cat uses it leaves nothing for your dog to eat. Once they discover an empty litter box—and nothing to chow down on—they’ll eventually look elsewhere.



5. Try a Different Cat Litter Box

If you have a multi-cat home or are unable to clean the box regularly, consider a self-cleaning litter box. These litter boxes isolate cat feces, leaving zero waste in sight for your dog.



While there is no 100% dog-resistant cat litter box, another option is using a covered litter box with a top-entry lid.



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