Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
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Your dog comes over, wagging their tail furiously, and eager for some kisses. But then you notice a few crumbles of cat litter stuck in the fur around your dog’s mouth, and you immediately know what has happened. Your dog has been raiding the litter box again. Gross, right? But why do dogs eat cat poop?
It might seem pretty weird to us, but the average dog will eat cat poop at some point.
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs eat feces (a behavior known as coprophagia), here’s everything you need to know, including what you should do if you see your dog eating cat poop and when to see your veterinarian about it.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs usually eat cat poop for behavioral reasons, like boredom, stress, or habit—but medical causes like malnutrition are possible, too.
- It’s common and sometimes normal behavior in dogs, but eating cat poop can expose them to parasites or harmful bacteria.
- To help prevent this habit, clean the litter box regularly, use positive training methods, and ensure your dog is mentally and physically stimulated.
- In persistent cases, supplements, food additives, or basket muzzles may be needed, but always talk to your vet first.
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
There are several reasons why dogs will eat feces, from boredom to malnutrition.
It’s A Bad Habit
Unfortunately, for many dogs (and perhaps most), eating feces becomes a habit. In fact, some dogs seem to enjoy eating it.
This can become a very difficult habit to break. Your dog is getting rewarded with something they like each time they’re able to access the “prize” (a dirty litter box), so they’re motivated to try again in the future.
Boredom
Boredom is another common reason why pups will start eating feces.
Dogs explore the world with their mouths—and the litter box is no exception. And when they find a treat stashed there, it keeps them coming back.
Dogs who have ample playtime and get lots of exercise and interactive time with their families are less likely to develop coprophagia.
Hiding An Accident
Another surprising reason some dogs start to eat feces is if they have an accident in the house. If you have punished your dog in some way (even by yelling or scolding), they know they will be punished for their accident, so some dogs will hide the evidence by eating their own poop.
This is just one reason why you should always use positive potty training techniques and never punish your dog for accidents.
Once they get in the habit of eating fecal matter, the situation can spread to the litter box as well.
Stress
Some dogs will begin to eat feces during periods of stress.
Much like people with comfort foods, dogs will turn to the things they enjoyed as puppies to relieve their stress. For some dogs, this may include coprophagia.
Malnutrition
Even though it’s less common, medical causes for dogs eating cat poop are diagnosed on a regular basis.
The most likely reason tends to be malnutrition in cases where dogs are being fed a diet that does not meet all of their nutritional needs. Most commonly, we see this in dogs being fed a homemade diet or a diet that has not been AAFCO-certified to meet all nutritional needs for that particular animal (this information is found on the label).
Intestinal Parasites
Other causes may include intestinal parasites, poor intestinal absorption, and some types of hormonal or endocrine imbalances.
The good news is that if your vet identifies a medical cause for your dog’s coprophagia, you can deal with the underlying condition to prevent more significant problems. The treatment may also help eliminate the desire to eat stool.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Some senior dogs who suddenly begin eating cat poop may be showing signs of canine cognitive dysfunction—a brain-aging condition that causes memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Cat Feces and Cat Litter?
Unfortunately, there are some health concerns with dogs who eat another animal’s feces or ingest cat litter.
If the cat has intestinal parasites or harmful bacteria—such as E. coli or Salmonella—your dog could contract an infection.
And if the cat is taking medication, drug residues may remain in their feces and potentially affect your dog’s health.
Some dogs may also experience digestive upset or other signs of illness after eating cat litter or poop. Common symptoms of a dog eating cat poop or litter include:
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Signs of dehydration (such as dry gums or reduced energy)
These symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting, but in some cases, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent, veterinary attention may be needed.
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.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Cat Poop?
At some stages of their lives, dogs eating feces is quite normal—and in fact, it may be necessary.
Puppies are born without bacteria in their intestinal tract, but they need bacteria to properly digest food. 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 fecal matter in the process.
A mother dog teaches their puppies to eat stool when she cleans them, so it is not as innately gross to dogs as it is to us.
How To Stop a Dog From Eating Cat Poop
If your dog ate cat litter—and continues to—it can be a very difficult habit to break, but the good news is that with patience, most dogs can be stopped from regularly snacking on the cat’s stool.
Here’s how to keep your dog out of the litter box—and keep them from eating cat poop.
Switch To Positive Training Methods
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.
Clean the Litter Box Often
One technique that is very effective is to clean the litter pan very frequently—preferably, each time your cat uses the box.
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.
Keep Your Dog Active and Engaged
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.
Check Your Dog’s Diet and Slow Down Their Eating
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.
Also try slowing down how fast your dog eats, to help improve digestion and reduce the instinct to eat feces.
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.
Ask Your Vet About Medications, Supplements, and Food Additives
Supplements, medications, and food additives—like NaturVet Outta My Box Soft Chews—can be used to help deter your dog from eating it.
Any medication options should be discussed with your veterinarian.
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.
