How To Stop My Dog From Eating Cat Poop? Home Remedies That Actually Work!
Updated on March 29, 2023
"My dog eats cat poop!", a voice in your head screams. Yes, your dog eats cat poop... and other animals poop, and even his own feces. Why? Why does he do that? We explain everything to you and even more important, we answer your question: "how to stop my dog from eating cat poop?"
Top 5 Tips To Stop A Dog From Eating Cat Poop
There are many little things you can do to prevent your dog from eating your cat's poop. Next, we share with you the best tips for puppy and dog owners.
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1. Suppress Your Dog's Access To Cat Poop 😺
The first step is to prevent your dog from being in the same area as the cat litter to minimize the chances of eating cat poop. If you leave your dog and cat alone to poop for long periods of time, you should think of a way that your cat can access his bathroom but your dog cannot. Maybe install a cat door that your dog can't get through?
On the other hand, there are dog-proof cat litters on the market. These are much more expensive, but maybe worth it. Check with your trusted store.
2. Avoid Boredom ⚾
Do you think your dog eats dog poop because he is bored? So the answer to avoid this behavior is simple: find entertainment.
We know this can be difficult, especially if you work outside your home and your dog spends a lot of time alone. Take a look at these options to entertain your dog:
- Buy new toys that your furry friend can chew on
- Opt for a treat dispenser
- Buy dog puzzle toys that occupy your dog's time both physically and mentally.
3. Train Your Dog 🐶
Remember when you trained your dog to use a leash? Well, this training is similar because you will teach your four-legged friend to obey a "cue."
You can choose the cue that you like. The secret is to repeat it every time your dog gets close to the cat's poop. "Leave it" may be a good idea. Use a firm voice until your dog learns it.
4. Clean The Cat Litter Constantly 🧹
If the cat litter doesn't have poop, your dog won't be able to eat it. It may not be a practical option because it increases your workload a lot, but carrying out this activity during the first stages minimizes your dog's temptation.
5. Modify The Diet 🍲
What if the problem is a food deficiency? Talk to your vet about it. Perhaps the solution is to modify your dog's diet so that he does not seek to compensate for the dietary deficiency by eating cat poop.
Read: How To Stop Dogs From Eating Poop: Home Remedies
5 Home Remedies To Stop Your Pup From Eating Cat Poop
Is your pup constantly snacking on cat poop? It may be gross, but don't worry - there are a few home remedies that can help break this habit!
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Here are 5 tips with emojis to stop your dog from eating cat poop:
🌶️ Spicy: Try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your cat's litter (as long as that doesn't botter your kitty). The strong smell and taste can discourage your dog from eating cat poop.
🍍🍌 Add pineapple or banana to your cat's food: These fruits contain enzymes that can make your cat's poop taste less appealing. Plus, they're healthy additions to their diet!
🌳 Plant some herbs: Certain herbs, like rosemary and thyme, have a strong scent that dogs find unpleasant. Plant these herbs near the litter box to create a natural deterrent.
🍲 Add canned pumpkin to dog's food: Some people swear that canned pumpkin fill the tummy and that way the pup has no hunger to eat cat poop.
🤢💩 Spray deterrents: they can be an effective way to stop your dog from eating cat poop. Here are some spray options to consider:
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🍋 Lemon Juice: Mix lemon juice with water and spray it on the cat litter box. The smell and taste of lemon will repel your dog.
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🍀 Mint: Place a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and leave it near the litter box. The smell of mint will repel your dog.
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🙅♀️ Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and s pray the solution on the area where your cat's litter box is located. The smell and taste of the vinegar should be enough to keep your dog from snacking on the poop.
🧊 Water: Spray your dog with a water bottle when they approach the litter box. The sudden burst of water will startle them and discourage them from coming back.
We hope this article has answered the age-old question of "How To Stop My Dog From Eating Cat Poop?" Whether you opt for a covered litter box, deterrent sprays, training treats, supplements, or a remote trainer, there are plenty of options available to help break this unsavory habit.
Remember, a healthy and happy pet starts with good habits and proper training, so don't hesitate to try different solutions until you find the one that works best for you and your furry friend.
🥂 Here's to a poop-free (or at least, poop-controlled) household!
FAQ
Why Would A Dog Eat Cat Poop?
Although it may seem a bit weird (and disgusting) to us, many dogs enjoy eating cats and other animal poop. Even their own poop! The truth is that it should not surprise us because dogs are capable of eating many foods that are far from being food, such as rocks, a shoe, or the carpet.
While the exact causes why a dog eats poop have been resolved by science, specialists agree that your dog's attraction to your cat's poop may be due to its protein content and even its aroma.
In 2012, a study on dog poop eating, or coprophagia by its scientific name, was presented at the annual conference of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Scientists studied more than 3,000 dogs and concluded that 16% could be classified as "serious" stool eaters (they were discovered eating poop more than five times), and 24% were discovered eating poop at least once.
Thus, they concluded that eating poop is a natural reflex for dogs that is related to their oldest survival instinct. We must consider that eating everything that they could find has made dogs continue to exist to this day.
What Happens If Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
Eating cat poop is generally not harmful to dogs, but it can be unpleasant for their owners and potentially dangerous if the cat is sick:
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Cat poop can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli and Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause health problems in dogs.
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Consuming cat poop can also lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable for dogs and may require medical attention.
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In some cases, dogs may develop a habit of eating cat poop, which can be difficult to break and may require behavior modification training.
What Can I Buy To Keep My Dog From Eating Cat Poop?
There are several products available to help keep dogs from eating cat poop:
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Covered Litter Boxes: One of the easiest ways to keep dogs from accessing cat poop is to use a covered litter box. These boxes have a lid that makes it difficult for dogs to reach in and eat the feces.
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Deterrent Sprays: Another option is to use deterrent sprays, which are designed to make cat feces taste bad to dogs. These sprays are safe for cats and can be sprayed directly on the litter box or on the feces themselves.
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Training Treats: Some pet stores carry training treats that are specifically designed to discourage coprophagia. These treats are formulated to make the dog's stool taste bad, which can help break the habit.
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Supplements: There are also supplements available that can help reduce a dog's interest in eating cat feces. These supplements are typically made with natural ingredients and are safe for dogs to consume.
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Remote Trainers: For dogs that are particularly stubborn, a remote trainer may be necessary. These trainers emit a loud noise or vibration when the dog gets too close to the litter box, which can help reinforce the idea that eating cat poop is not acceptable.
It's important to remember that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
In some cases, a combination of these products may be necessary to effectively discourage the behavior. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if the problem persists, as there may be an underlying medical issue causing the behavior.
Which Are The Main Causes Of Dog Coprophagia?
Eating poop may be natural, but it is still disgusting for humans. Knowing the causes that can lead to this behavior can help you prevent it. Basically, your dog is believed to eat poop (his, another animal's, or cat poop) because:
- Your dog has a food deficiency.
- He is exploring the world around him, and this is his way of relating to it.
- He is bored.
- She became a mom, and eating her puppy's feces is a normal part of the cleaning process.
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