If you own a Cat, it's only a matter of time before your Dog will discover and taste their poop. Some dogs may even consider it a delicacy. Veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan examines why your four-legged companion loves "kitten treats," and how to stop the annoying behavior.
Dogs are natural scavengers and are very curious, so it's not uncommon for them to eat things they shouldn't! But what if your dog eats cat poop? What if your dog eats cat poop in addition to litter? Unfortunately, this is a very unpleasant, but also common, habit.
Many dog owners and their four-legged companions rummage through litter boxes for "cat treats." There are actually several reasons for this, but it's not without risk to your puppy.
Probably the biggest question on your mind is how dangerous it is and whether it will make Fido sick. Generally speaking, once your puppy eats a few pieces of cat poop, it should be fine. But there are some things you need to pay attention to, and some things you need to pay attention to.
Is cat poop bad for dogs?
It's gross, but is eating cat poop really bad for dogs?
maybe. While many dogs eat cat poop and are fine, eating poop has the potential to infect dogs with harmful bacteria and parasites. Some of these bacteria, such as Salmonella, can spread to humans.
Additionally, dogs can contract several different types of internal parasites through cat feces. Just because your cat isn't showing signs of a parasitic infection doesn't mean it isn't there.
Also, they can cause problems for dogs if they consume cat litter in large quantities. The good news is that most dogs need to eat a lot of litter to get constipated. If your dog has eaten cat litter or caked litter, keep an eye on him. If his bowel movements are normal, he's probably fine. However, if he seems to be having trouble passing stools, has no bowel movements, or if his stools are abnormal, you should call your veterinarian.
Despite these risks, in most cases, your dog won’t suffer any health consequences from eating cat poop. However, for you and your dog’s health, eating cat poop is one habit your dog definitely should kick.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Cat Poop?
According to veterinarians, the easiest way to prevent your dog from eating cat poop is to keep the litter box out of your dog's reach. Baby gates are great for keeping dogs out of the house without getting in the way of cats, as well as giving cats their own space.
If you can’t keep your dog away from the litter box, you can invest in a covered cat litter box with a closed top or a “dog-proof” top-entry cat litter box that makes it harder for dogs to get in.
Sometimes the cat poop in question is beyond your control. If your neighbor's cat poops in your yard, there's little you can do to stop your dog from eating it other than trying to get the cat out of your yard. If this is the case, take your dog to the vet regularly to make sure he doesn't get any internal parasites from his scavenger.
Coprophagia is serious, but eating cat poop doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your dog. However, this natural behavior carries some risks, so try to prevent it by following these tips and contacting your veterinarian for further advice.
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