Dealing with Dogs Eating Cat Poop: Solutions Inside!
If we rewind the clock by 20,000 years, according to historical records, one of the original purposes of humans domesticating dogs was to help with the disposal of human waste, including excrement.
So, let's take a closer look at cat feces. Whether it's dry cat food or other wet cat diets, the meat and fat content is generally higher than in dog food, which means there's a greater amount of undigested meat protein in the cat's stool. From various perspectives, this makes it an undoubtedly more appetizing "feast" than the excrement of other animals.
However, cat feces is not only unsanitary but also prone to transmitting many diseases to dogs, such as parasitic infections (if the cat has them). The issue of dogs consuming cat feces not only affects hygiene and their health but can also lead to dogs lingering around the litter box, disrupting the cat's bathroom habits, and potentially causing the cat to have problems with inappropriate elimination.
Let's start by considering solutions from a dietary standpoint.
Enriching Your Dog's Diet:
Many young or adolescent dogs have a tendency to eat feces, which might be due to their ravenous appetites and growing phase. By providing a more varied diet on top of their healthy foundation, many dogs may gradually lose this habit as they age.
Seeking Veterinary Advice:
If you notice your dog eating its own feces (not that of another animal), it could be due to a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as a specific digestive enzyme. There are also nutritional supplements on the market designed for dogs with this habit, which may help improve their behavior. However, it's best to consult a veterinarian first to determine what specific nutrients your dog is lacking or if there might be other health issues causing the behavior.
Dietary Considerations for Weight Loss:
Dogs on a weight loss diet might be tempted to eat cat feces to compensate for hunger. It's important not to restrict their food intake too severely but to opt for lowcalorie, portioned meals. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals can help, but make sure your dog is still wellfed!
Other Solutions:
Isolating the Cat's Elimination Area:
If your cat's litter box is in the bathroom, consider installing a cat door that only allows the cat to enter a specific space, effectively sealing off the toilet from the dog. If the litter box is in an open area like a balcony, you can install a gate that the cat can jump over but the dog cannot.
Enriching Your Dog's Play Life:
Sometimes, dogs eat cat feces not because it tastes good but because it's fun (and it does taste good). This behavior might be due to boredom or a lack of interaction with their owner. While you're away, leave toys or your dog's favorite shows for them to watch. When you return home, engage in play and interaction with your dog.
Avoid Punishment:
Do not punish your dog for eating feces, as this may have the opposite effect. Dogs may not initially understand why you're upset and could even misinterpret the reason, thinking they were reprimanded for not eating quickly or enough. This might lead them to eat more the next time.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for both your dog and your cat.
