Does your dog like to dig a snack out from the kitty’s litter pan? If so, you’re not alone! This is a disgusting behavior to us, but why do our dogs do this?
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Why Do Dogs Eat Things from the Cat’s Litter?
According to experts, dogs may simply like the smell of a cat’s pooh and decide it’s therefore edible. Doesn’t that thought make you want to run out and eat? We didn’t think so!
Another issue that drives a dog to eat cat feces is a lack of nutrients. While rare, this can be the case. It seems that most of the time, digging in the litter box is something dogs like to do.
Can the Cat Litter Hurt my Dog?
When it comes to cat litter, there are many to choose from. There are crystal formulas, clumping, non-clumping, organic litters, and more. Eating any one of these types of cat litter could make your dog very sick.
The most trouble is caused by absorbent cat litter, especially those that clump. This is because this type of cat litter can soak up fluids in the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation.
And if large amounts of this type of litter are ingested, clumping kitty litter can also lead to bowel obstruction in the dog’s intestines. This condition is a medical emergency.
What’s more, used cat litter may contain parasites that can make both your dog and cat sick. Harmful bacteria also are a problem in used cat litter, which can lead to infections in the dog’s digestive tract. And kitty litter can be hard on your canine companion’s teeth.
So, there are a number of ways kitty feces and cat litter can harm your dog.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDigestive Tract Problems in Dogs After Ingesting Cat Litter & More
If your fur baby begins showing any symptoms after eating out the cat’s box, it’s best to call the vet right away. The sooner your dog has medical care, the better.
The vet may have x-rays of your dog to check for any blockages. If your fur baby’s intestines are blocked, then he’ll probably require surgery.
If your dog seems determined to hit the cat’s box up for a snack, you may want to consider investing in a self-cleaning cat litter box. Or be sure to clean the litter box out every day. Your dog may still be able to able to grab a snack once in a while, but not a whole meal!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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