That being said, dogs eat all kinds of things: garbage, carpet, rocks, and more. While it may sound disgusting, dogs eat cat poop as a result of natural dog behavior. Updated on May 14, 2020 by Leo Wilson. When it comes down to it, dogs like to eat something with a strong smell, like that of cat poop, or even better, cat food. Eating the cat’s poop might signal a vitamin deficiency in your dog’s diet. Dogs will eat any kind of poop, but cat poop is particularly appealing to them because cats do not digest as thoroughly as other animals. When it comes to a dog eating cat poop, there are a number of behavioral and environmental circumstances that may be contributing to your dog's undying love for cat feces. Stop wondering, “why do dogs eat cat poop,” and take a proactive approach. This natural behavior does come with some risks, however, so do your best to prevent it by using these tips, and contact your veterinarian for further advice. Low energy and activity levels along with frequent digestive system issues could also be a sign that your dog is eating cat feces. Keep an eye on deficiencies in your dog’s diet. Some pet stores sell products you can mix with your cat’s food to make the feces taste disgusting—even to your dog. You need to let your pet exert his excitement. This e-book is a great resource for anyone who's considering dog ownership or already owns a dog. "description": "The reason dogs are attracted to cat droppings could be many - eating poop could be a sign of vitamin deficiency or even something as meager as a stressful household environment. Once they get used to it, they would begin to consider it a meal! Therefore, to dogs, there may hardly be a difference in smell and taste from regular cat food. The easiest way to keep your dog from eating cat poop is to remove the opportunity. You may need to switch your dog’s food to a formula that is higher in fat, fiber or protein. Take care that your pets cannot access the feces in any way. Coprophagy is the term used to describe the act of eating poop. If you feel it might be a nutritional issue, consult with your veterinarian. Despite these risks, in most cases, your dog won’t suffer any health consequences from eating cat poop. Many dogs enjoy eating all kinds of poop, much to our disgust. Eating cat poop is a habit called coprophagia and is often a sign of dietary deficiency. "Eating poop, a habit called coprophagia, can be the result of a dietary deficiency, but in most cases, it is just the product of exploration, which can become a bad habit." It’s a good idea to do everything you can to prevent your dog from engaging in eating cat poop but sometimes you can’t stop it. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. If you have canine pets, consider cleaning it daily to avoid poop-eating incidents. Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed & How To Stop It? Eating cat poop or other poop is a very unsavory habit but there’s probably nothing wrong with your dog. "headline": "Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? That is one of the clear distinctions between the human race and the animal kingdom. Some researchers think that dogs might do the same when their living environment contains poo. "url": "https://www.wellpet.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Happy-Dog-Outside-Feature-Image.jpg" Since normal cat food appeals to a dog’s sense of smell, and many dogs love to eat it, this is one of the reasons why they’re often ready to snack out of the litter box. What You Need To Know About Hiking With A Dog, Copyright © 2020 by Wellpet.org || All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2019 by Wellpet.org || All Rights Reserved. You can use a baby gate for this method or make a fence yourself … Luckily, all hope is not lost. If your dog eats cat poop then the probability of transmission of germs and parasites is severely high. Keep them away from litter boxes and regularly check their mouth for poop stains or bad smells. This deprives them of a channel for entertainment, thus leading them to such unlikely ‘treats’. This behavior tends to fade during adulthood, but some dogs continue throughout life. However, for you and your dog’s health, eating cat poop is one habit your dog definitely should kick. While it may sound disgusting, dogs eat cat poop as a result of natural dog behavior. Above all, their breath can give out the smell of cat feces. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Dogs are known to eat poop (coprophagia) from most any animal because it tastes good to them and is packed with protein. Not taking your pet out of the house into an open space often could cause animal anxiety or even mental diseases. iy_2021; im_01; id_17; ih_04; imh_13; i_epoch:1610885638931, py_2021; pm_01; pd_11; ph_15; pmh_31; p_epoch:1610407877542, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Mon Jan 11 15:31:17 PST 2021; pn_epoch:1610407877542. Dogs that eat cat poop for a myriad of reasons are explained in this guide. As dogs reach adulthood they experience bouts of reduction in energy and become lethargic. No matter your dog’s daily meals, this can change their intestinal functioning. This leads to unhealthy amounts of bacteria and parasites. It can be. Take your dog for frequent walks in the yard or streets, keep your dog occupied with toys, and improve their nutrition with a relevant amount of much-needed nutrients. Maybe the fondness for cat’s poop attracts your pet to consume cat waste material. If your pets are still stressed despite all the tips you have tried or have problems with urine color, dietary concerns, or general bathroom habits, a vet could help diagnose the issue. From quality care tips, health tips, to training and play, Well Pet Coach is an informational site that gives the reader tips on how to best care for your pet, to help you establish that unbreakable bond with them. Eating poop, a habit called coprophagia, can be the result of a dietary deficiency, but in most cases, it is just the product of exploration, which can become a bad habit. It’s a stomach churning sight for us humans, but many dogs like to eat poo, otherwise known as coprophagia; the eating of faeces or dung. Cat litter should be changed one to two times a week. However, the following are the most common reasons: Not enough nutrition. Usually, a protein or fiber deficiency plays a role in what makes a pet resign to eating feces. Puppies That Start Eating Poop. In fact, there’s not a lot of evidence to support this, particularly if a dog is eating adequate amounts of a nutritionally balanced food made from high-quality ingredients. The Merck Veterinary Manual states, “as part of exploratory behavior, many dogs are attracted to and may ingest feces, compost, and prey (dead or live).” Additionally, normal maternal behavior for dogs includes the consumption of feces and urine of young puppies. This is when a female dog cleans up after her puppies to keep the nest clean. This behavior is totally natural; dogs are scavengers by nature. Dogs are scavengers by nature. Coprophagia actually may be a part of a dog’s natural exploratory instincts. And how to stop a dog from eating cat poop? The good news is that most dogs would have to eat a lot of litter before it could cause a blockage. Look for a stool smell deterrent product. Rather than letting your pet lie on his butt all day, make use of the time to bring your dog for a walk in the area and look for solutions that keep your puppy active throughout the day and treat this condition. [1] The excessive dose of parasites could bring about bathroom difficulties for your dog too. This is particularly appealing to a dog because cat food has a very high protein content and often contains carbohydrates, which are eliminated in a partially digested form that can pique a dog's curiosity. When any living species eats poop, whether dogs or humans, it is known as Coprophagia. Forget cat droppings, they’ll also eat up all kinds of things including your couch, socks, shoes, jackets, etc. Cat poop is just another thing to scavenge and eat. But what’s worse is dogs who eat cat poop. At the same time, these dogs can be restricted by making your cat use an unbreachable litter box. Dog food isn’t the only thing dogs eat. And you should know by now that dogs will eat just about anything they come across. Their desire to stay full leads to a stimulation of constant hunger. However, the majority of dogs do it because of their curiosity and scavenger nature. This issue is something that can easily be resolved by training. Best High-Fiber Dog Food For Anal Gland Problems, Signs To Tell If Your Dog Has Eaten Cat Poop, 3. They Are Coping With Stress And Anxiety, 5. Poop eating among dogs can be due to a lot of things. }. People can suffer from a disease transfer via their dogs due to them eating the feces of cats. It is a natural behaviour for a mother dog to eat their puppies’ poop and wee, in order to keep the litter clean. Health setbacks can occur in a partial number of cases. This issue is something that can easily be resolved by training. Yes, it sounds gross and disgusting to us as humans, but to our utter surprise, it is regular dog behavior to eat cat poop. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.wellpet.org/dogs-eat-cat-poop/", And, we humans can’t help but wonder why do dogs eat cat poop? "@context": "http://schema.org/", While you might think cat poop smells gross, it probably smells like cat food to your dog. Some reasons dogs eat cat poop can be attributed to their ancestors. Stress could easily lead to behavioral changes in many dogs. As a result, there is a risk that they begin to think of everything as food. But if he appears to have difficulty pooping, does not poop, or if his poop is abnormal, you should call your veterinarian. Puppies actually … Not only can eating cat poop cause digestive upset for dogs, but it can also be a source of transmission for intestinal and other parasites. "author": "Kathy Conner", Such dogs are bound to face health issues and irregular bowel movements. "name": "Well Pet Coach", Baby gates are great at keeping dogs out without getting in your cat’s way and can also give your cats space of their own. "https://www.facebook.com/wellpetcoach/", While dog experts say it’s almost impossible to prevent your dog from eating cat poop, you can find ways to discourage it, so your dog does it less often. "datePublished": "2020-08-07", There’s one key time that a dog will eat stool and it’s very much in the natural order of things. "https://twitter.com/wellpetcoach", { It would be best to use the one main dustbin in your back alley. For puppies that like to eat poop, you will need to control … While many dogs eat cat poop, and they’re fine, eating any poop carries the potential for the dog to contract harmful bacteria and parasites. Or best, consult a vet and run some tests for your peace of mind. The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating cat poop, according to veterinarians, is to place the litter box in a spot where your dog can’t access it. Why do dogs eat cat litter and poop? There are cases when large quantities can cause an influx of fat. When a dog eats cat poop, it could be a sign that it is missing some … If you find yourself feeding your doggo protein supplements and also have a cat at home, you can connect the dots. Some of them eat poop because of nutrient deficiency. Stressful conditions make it harder to distance your dog from the cat’s litter box. By making a few simple changes, it’ll be an easier fix than others. "width": "1200", Thus, you need a treatment plan for this dog habit. 4. "@type": "ImageObject", This drive for cleanliness could also account for other dogs that “clean up” stool. If you can’t keep your dog away from the litter box, you can invest in a litter box with a closed top or a “dog-proof” litter box that makes it hard for dogs to get in. All rights reserved. But then again, how to keep a dog out of the litter box? Download for tips on how to be the best dog owner you can be. When … But your dog can ingest parasites when eating cat poop so it’s a good idea to try and teach him to stop. As domesticated as they might seem, dogs carry the same DNA as their wild ancestors. Stress: As with eating their own poop, dogs can be motivated to eat cat poop because they're stressed out. The reason dogs are attracted to cat droppings could be many – eating poop could be a sign of vitamin deficiency or even something as meager as a stressful household environment. ], Placing a Fence/Barrier. "keywords": ["why do dogs eat cat poop","why does my dog eat cat poop","dog eating cat poop","dog eats cat poop","my dog eats cat poop"], Furthermore, dogs can contract several different species of internal parasites from cat poop. Put the litter box in a spot she can’t reach, or try a covered litter box. Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop In order to stop this issue and prevent it from occurring in the future, pet owners must get to the bottom of what is causing it in the first place. Choose a stress-busting toy to prevent your dog from making such unhealthy decisions when upset. Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop: Reasons, Dangers, and Ways to Stop Coprophagia Author Robert Herrera Reading 1 min Views 106 Published by 10.09.2020 Although dogs are exceptionally smart and cleanly animals, sometimes, their behavior is really shocking. 9. According to PetMD, isolation, confinement, living with other sick or elderly dogs, and anxiety can all trigger the cat poop-eating instinct. } Depending on how often clumping occurs, you can even clear the box every alternate day. Actually, some animal species eat feces as normal behavior, like lagomorphs , for example. One of the most common reasons why a dog would eat cat poop is lack of nutrition. Try a poop spray to keep your dogs away from the cat’s litter box. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Depending on your dog’s case in terms of changing bodily features, a doctor will help you get a sense of which nutrient shortage is causing the issue of eating poop. Sometimes, the cat poop in question is out of your control. This could happen if the cat feces, small rocks, or a fatal parasite disrupts the intestinal process. Dogs are also very curious. They see cat food and they’ll have that too. "@type": "ImageObject", "@type": "Article", Even worse, if you are diagnosed with coprophagia and generally follow impeccable hygiene, it could be because of your dog eating cat poop. These conditions lead to a series of appetite problems. It is a natural behavior. Another frequently mentioned cause is that cat-poop-eating dogs are missing nutrients in their diets. As pet owners, feed your dog with the best quality dog food products – ones that impart nutritional components your pet is deficient in. It also has nutritional value because cats and other critters don’t always completely process their food. Dogs, in general, love eating various kinds of poop. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Naturally, Dogs are Scavengers The most common reason behind your dog eating pop is simply a natural instinct. Some dogs seem to just have a nose for this, going on a walk and out of nowhere finding a new source of cat poop. Your pet’s poop-eating habit could be a result of a nutrient deficiency. Dogs Eat Cat Poop Because It Tastes Good Depending on the breed and size of your animal friend, there are dozens of treatment options to deal with anxiety. ", Pet dogs should be taken to the vet when they are constantly looking for cat poop. Poop Eating Is Normal for Dogs and Puppies For some species, such as rabbits, eating fecal droppings is a totally normal way of obtaining key nutrients. It is typical of dogs to spend a lot of hours looking for cat food as a quick snack. 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