Why do dogs eat such disgusting things as cat poop? As humans, we simply can’t understand this behavior. But it seems there are some dogs that consider cat poop to be a delicacy! Yuck!
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If you live with both a dog and a cat, chances are you’ve seen your canine fur baby sneak a snack from the cat’s litter box. If this happens regularly, you may wonder if your dog can get sick from eating cat poop.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why dogs may eat cat poop and whether or not this habit can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
First, there’s a name for this habit of eating any type of poop. It’s called coprophagia. It’s essential to understand that eating poop is a part of a dog’s natural behavior. The habit can be driven by a nutritional deficiency, boredom, or just because the poop smells like food to the dog.
Coprophagia can also be due to a dog being curious about what’s around him. That’s because dogs explore their environment using their mouths.
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So, eating poop is a natural behavior in dogs. But can eating cat poop make a dog sick?
Cat Poop & Dogs
Cat poop and dogs don’t really mix well. Eating cat poop can make your dog really sick. The problem is that cat poop can carry bacterial infections, parasites, and more.
In addition, cat poop may be covered in cat litter, which can cause a blockage in the digestive tract. This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to death if not treated.
You may notice these symptoms if your dog if he’s been eating cat poop:
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Decreased energy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bad breath (may smell like kitty poop, or you may notice cat litter between the dog’s teeth)
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to call the vet right away. This could be a medical emergency.
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Ask a Vet Live NowKeep Your Dog from Eating Cat Poop
While coprophagia is a yucky habit to us, this is a natural behavior for dogs. To keep your dog from eating snacks out of the cat’s box, you may want to consider investing in a cat box that has a dog-proof cover. Of course, a determined dog may still find his way into the snacks, but at least the covered box will slow him down a bit!
If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s cat poop habit, then be sure to talk to the vet. They’ll have the best advice and guidance on how to prevent your dog from eating cat poop!
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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