Dogs eat cat poop because they are attracted to its smell and protein, and may be after nutrients. Keep the litter box out of reach.
Why
- Attraction to the smell and protein in cat food.
- Instinct and boredom.
- Nutrient needs or a diet lacking something.
- Curiosity.
Risks
Parasites (roundworms, hookworms), Toxoplasma and bacteria.
Prevention
- Keep the litter box out of reach, for example behind a baby gate or in a covered, high location.
- Clean quickly.
- Train “leave it”.
See a vet
If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting.
Natural scavenging
Eating feces is called coprophagia. Dogs are natural scavengers, and cat feces can taste appealing because of the high protein and fat content in cat food. Cat food is often higher in protein than dog food, and it is digested less fully, leaving nutrients in the stool.
Other causes
- Boredom or lack of exercise.
- Anxiety or stress.
- Learned attention seeking behavior.
- Litter box access that is easy for the dog.
- Nutrient deficiency or malabsorption, which are less common explanations.
- Parasites or medical issues that increase appetite.
Health risks
- Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
- Toxoplasma gondii and bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.
- Clumping litter that can cause intestinal blockage when swallowed.
- Medications or chemicals passed in stool.
Prevention
- Keep the litter box where the dog cannot go, such as behind a baby gate with a cat sized opening, on a high shelf or in a room with a cat door.
- Use a covered litter box that dogs cannot enter.
- Clean the box frequently.
- Train a “leave it” command and reward it.
- Provide exercise and mental stimulation.
- Feed a balanced diet.
- Ask a vet about additives that make stool taste unpleasant. Evidence for these is limited.
Hygiene
Wash your hands after cleaning up and avoid being licked on the face.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter due to toxoplasmosis risk.
See a vet
If your dog keeps eating stool, has diarrhea, weight loss, a change in appetite or vomiting. A fecal test can detect parasites.
Why cat feces attract dogs
Eating feces, called coprophagia, is common in dogs, and cat feces are especially attractive because they are high in protein and contain undigested cat food. The behavior may reflect scavenging instinct, boredom, a diet low in nutrients, enzyme deficiency or digestive issues, and puppies often explore the world with their mouths. Dogs with free access to a litter box and those fed once a day are more likely to do it. Stress or anxiety can also play a part.
Health risks and prevention
Cat feces can carry parasites, including roundworms, hookworms and Toxoplasma gondii, and bacteria such as Salmonella, and the dog can pass some of them to people. Clumping litter can cause intestinal blockage in dogs if swallowed in large amounts. Place the litter box where the dog cannot reach it, such as behind a baby gate, in a covered box with a cat sized opening or on a high surface, and scoop at least once a day. Teach “leave it” and reward the dog for coming away. Pregnant women should not clean litter boxes because of toxoplasmosis risk. See a vet if the habit continues or the dog has vomiting or diarrhea.
Based on data from the American Kennel Club and the CDC
