Is your canine companion raiding the litter box? It’s a common, albeit unpleasant, behavior. The team at solcat.net understands your concern. Dogs may engage in coprophagia (eating faeces) for various reasons, ranging from behavioural issues to nutritional deficiencies. This comprehensive guide delves into the reasons behind this behaviour and offers practical solutions to help you curb this habit and ensure your dog’s well-being, promoting a healthier and happier life for your furry friend.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Faeces?
- Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Cat Faeces?
- What Health Risks Do Dogs Face When Eating Cat Poop and Cat Litter?
- How Can I Stop My Dog From Eating Cat Faeces?
- Are There Any Supplements or Food Additives That Can Help?
- When Should I Consult a Veterinarian?
- What are the Key Takeaways for Preventing Coprophagia in Dogs?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Faeces?
There are several underlying causes of coprophagia. Behavioural and medical problems could be the reason.
- Habitual Behaviour: Unfortunately, for many dogs, eating faeces can become a habitual behaviour. Some dogs develop a taste for it.
- Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to coprophagia. A bored dog may explore the litter box out of curiosity.
- Accident Cover-Up: If a dog has been punished for accidents indoors, they may eat their own faeces to hide the evidence.
- Stress Relief: Stressful situations can trigger coprophagia as a coping mechanism.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: An unbalanced diet lacking essential nutrients can lead dogs to seek out these nutrients in cat faeces.
- Intestinal Parasites: Parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to cravings for faeces.
- Malabsorption Issues: Problems with nutrient absorption in the intestines can also trigger coprophagia.
- Endocrine Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can sometimes be linked to unusual eating habits.
- Cognitive Dysfunction: Senior dogs may develop cognitive dysfunction, leading to behavioural changes like coprophagia.
Dog looking at cat litter box
2. Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Cat Faeces?
Coprophagia can be a normal behaviour at certain stages of a dog’s life. Puppies are born without bacteria in their intestinal tract, but they need bacteria to properly digest food. According to research from the Cornell Feline Health Center, in July 2025, eating faeces provides puppies with essential bacteria for gut health. Certain strains of beneficial bacteria colonize the digestive tract when puppies are exposed to and ingest the stool of their mother and their littermates in their kennel environment. Mother dogs also lick their puppies to keep them clean, and they ingest faecal matter in the process.
2.1 Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Faeces Even When They Are Adults?
Even as adults, dogs may exhibit this behaviour due to learned habits or underlying nutritional deficiencies. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that while it’s more common in puppies, adult dogs may continue the habit if not properly addressed.
Mother dogs teach their puppies to eat stool when she cleans them, so it is not as innately gross to dogs as it is to humans.
3. What Health Risks Do Dogs Face When Eating Cat Poop and Cat Litter?
Ingesting cat faeces can expose dogs to health risks, including parasites and harmful bacteria. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential dangers.
3.1 What Parasites Can Dogs Contract From Eating Cat Faeces?
If the cat has intestinal parasites or harmful bacteria—such as E. coli or Salmonella—your dog could contract an infection.
3.2 What Bacteria Can Dogs Get From Ingesting Cat Litter?
Dogs can contract infections from harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella present in cat faeces.
3.3 Can Medications Taken by the Cat Affect the Dog?
If the cat is taking medication, drug residues may remain in their faeces and potentially affect your dog’s health.
3.4 What Are the Symptoms of Illness After Eating Cat Faeces or Litter?
Common symptoms of a dog eating cat poop or litter include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
These symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting, but in some cases, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent, veterinary attention may be needed.
3.5 Can Dogs Pass Diseases to Humans After Eating Cat Faeces?
It’s also important to remember that whatever your dog eats can potentially be passed on to humans—through kisses, saliva, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog and avoid close face contact if they’re known to raid the litter box.
Dog looking guilty next to a cat litter box
4. How Can I Stop My Dog From Eating Cat Faeces?
Breaking this habit can be challenging but achievable with patience and consistency. Here are effective strategies.
4.1 How Effective Are Positive Training Methods in Stopping Coprophagia?
Most importantly, do not punish your dog for raiding the cat box. This can make the problem worse, particularly if your dog eats stool in part as a reaction to stress. Instead, use positive training methods. Talk to your vet about finding a dog trainer who can teach you positive training methods.
4.2 Why Does Cleaning the Litter Box Regularly Help Prevent This Behaviour?
One technique that is very effective is to clean the litter pan very frequently—preferably, each time your cat uses the box.
4.3 Can Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Help?
Although self-cleaning litter boxes are on the market, some cats are afraid of these, so be aware of this if you decide to get one. Follow all the advice from the company and keep both the old and new boxes available for a while to get your cat used to the idea.
4.4 How Does Keeping My Dog Active Help in Preventing Coprophagia?
Increasing your dog’s activity, exercise, and amount of household attention will also help, particularly if the habit was developed out of boredom. Tired dogs often have less interest in causing trouble, and lots of outdoor playtime will make it less likely for your dog to come inside and look for presents in the litter box.
4.5 How Does Diet Impact This Behaviour?
Make sure you are feeding your dog a well-balanced diet. Talk to your vet about what you’re feeding your dog and ask for recommendations.
4.6 How Can Slowing Down Eating Help?
Also try slowing down how fast your dog eats, to help improve digestion and reduce the instinct to eat faeces. Try using a slow feeder bowl , like the Frisco Bone Shaped Ridges Slow Feed Bowl, or a treat ball that dispenses your dog’s food, like the SunGrow Interactive Exercise Puzzle Ball.
Dog using a slow feeder bowl
5. Are There Any Supplements or Food Additives That Can Help?
Supplements, medications, and food additives can deter your dog from eating it. Talk to your vet about medication options. Keep in mind these products also need to be given to the pet whose stool is being eaten. This means that treating your cat comes into play, which can be a difficult ask. NaturVet Outta My Box Soft Chews is a potential supplement that can help.
Note: Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements or dietary changes.
6. When Should I Consult a Veterinarian?
Consulting a vet is crucial if the behavior is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms. Identifying underlying medical issues is essential.
- Sudden Onset: If your dog suddenly starts eating faeces, it could indicate an underlying health problem.
- Accompanying Symptoms: If the behaviour is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or changes in appetite, seek veterinary advice.
- Persistent Behaviour: If you’ve tried various methods without success, a vet can provide further guidance and rule out medical causes.
7. What are the Key Takeaways for Preventing Coprophagia in Dogs?
Here’s a summary of key points to remember.
| Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Training | Avoid punishment; use rewards-based training. | Reduces stress-related coprophagia; strengthens bond with your dog. |
| Regular Litter Box Cleaning | Clean the litter box frequently, ideally after each use. | Minimizes access to faeces; reduces temptation for your dog. |
| Increased Activity | Provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. | Reduces boredom-related coprophagia; promotes overall well-being. |
| Balanced Diet | Ensure your dog is eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. | Corrects nutritional deficiencies; supports healthy digestion. |
| Slow Feeding | Use slow feeder bowls or interactive toys to slow down eating. | Improves digestion; reduces the urge to eat faeces. |
| Supplements/Additives | Consult your vet about supplements or food additives to deter faeces eating. | May alter the taste of faeces, making it less appealing. |
| Veterinary Consultation | Seek veterinary advice if the behaviour is sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms. | Rules out medical causes; provides tailored treatment plans. |
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
8.1 Why does my dog only eat cat poop and not other types of faeces?
Cat faeces is often more appealing to dogs due to its higher protein content from cat food.
8.2 Is coprophagia a sign of a serious health problem?
While it can be behavioral, it’s important to rule out medical issues like malnutrition or parasites.
8.3 Can I use punishment to stop my dog from eating cat poop?
Punishment can worsen the problem by causing stress and anxiety.
8.4 How often should I clean the litter box to prevent my dog from eating cat poop?
Ideally, clean the litter box after each use to minimize the opportunity for your dog to indulge.
8.5 Are there specific dog breeds more prone to coprophagia?
There’s no definitive evidence, but dogs with scavenging tendencies may be more inclined to eat faeces.
8.6 Can changing my dog’s food help stop coprophagia?
A balanced, high-quality diet can address nutritional deficiencies that might be causing the behaviour.
8.7 How long does it take to break a dog’s habit of eating cat poop?
It varies depending on the dog and consistency of training, but with dedication, improvements can be seen in a few weeks.
8.8 Is it safe to let my dog lick me after they’ve eaten cat poop?
It’s best to avoid letting your dog lick you, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
8.9 Can stress or anxiety cause coprophagia in dogs?
Yes, stress and anxiety can be contributing factors. Providing a calm environment and addressing anxiety can help.
8.10 What are some effective positive reinforcement techniques?
Reward your dog with treats, praise, or toys when they ignore the litter box or respond to commands like “leave it.”
At solcat.net, we’re dedicated to providing reliable, up-to-date information to help you care for your feline and canine companions. For more tips, insights, and community support, visit our website at solcat.net. If you are in Seattle, WA, you can find us at 950 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, United States, or call us at +1 (206) 386-4000.
