Can Cat Poop Make a Dog Sick? What Every Pet Owner Should Know

As a veterinarian and pet owner myself, I’ve seen this scenario countless times. You turn around for just a second, and there’s your dog, happily munching away on what they’ve discovered in the cat’s litter box It’s gross, it’s common, and yes – it definitely raises concerns about your dog’s health.

Let me answer the burning question right away: Yes, cat poop can make your dog sick. But how serious is it, and what should you do about it? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this unappetizing but common pet problem.

Why Dogs Find Cat Poop So Appetizing (Gross, But True!)

Before we talk about health risks, it helps to understand why your dog is drawn to the litter box in the first place. I’ve noticed several reasons in my years of practice:

• Dogs are natural scavengers with instincts that date back to their wild ancestors
• Cat food is high in protein, making cat poop surprisingly “tasty” to dogs
• Boredom or stress can lead dogs to explore and find “entertainment”
• Some dogs develop it as a habit that becomes self-reinforcing
• Nutritional deficiencies might cause some dogs to seek out unusual food sources
• Puppies explore with their mouths and may continue the behavior into adulthood

As one animal behaviorist explains, “Dogs are scavengers by nature, so it’s not uncommon for them to be attracted to the smell and taste of cat feces. In the wild, dogs would scavenge for food wherever they could find it, so this behavior may be a remnant of that instinct.”

Health Risks: When Cat Poop Becomes a Problem

Now for the important part – what actually happens when your dog eats cat poop? There are several potential health concerns:

Parasites

Cat feces can contain various parasites that are harmful to dogs

• Toxoplasma gondii: This parasite can cause toxoplasmosis, with symptoms ranging from mild digestive upset to more serious neurological issues
• Intestinal worms: Including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms
• Giardia and Coccidia: Microscopic parasites that cause diarrhea and intestinal problems

Bacterial Infections

Cat poop often contains bacteria that can make your dog sick:

• Salmonella: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy
• E. coli: Can lead to severe digestive upset
• Other harmful bacteria: Various types that can cause infections

Medication Residues

If your cat is on medication these drugs can pass through their system and end up in their stool. When your dog eats this poop, they’re essentially taking a second-hand dose of medication that wasn’t prescribed for them.

Litter Ingestion Problems

Besides the poop itself, the litter can cause issues:

• Clumping litter can form blockages in your dog’s digestive tract
• Clay litter can be abrasive to the intestinal lining
• Scented litters contain chemicals that aren’t meant to be ingested

Symptoms to Watch For

After your dog has eaten cat poop, be on the lookout for:

1. Vomiting or diarrhea (most common)
2. Lethargy or decreased energy
3. Loss of appetite
4. Visible worms in stool
5. Scooting or licking their rear end (sign of irritation)
6. Abdominal pain or bloating
7. Behavioral changes

When to Call Your Vet

While an occasional “snack” from the litter box might just cause mild digestive upset, there are times when you should definitely call your veterinarian:

• If your dog shows persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
• If you notice blood in their stool
• If they seem unusually lethargic or weak
• If they’re refusing to eat or drink
• If they have a fever
• If they’re showing signs of abdominal pain
• If they’ve ingested a large amount of cat litter along with the poop

My Approach to Prevention: Strategies That Actually Work

Ok, so now you know the risks – what can you do to stop this disgusting habit? As someone who’s dealt with this issue personally and professionally, here are my top recommendations:

1. Make the Litter Box Inaccessible

This is by far the most effective approach:

• Elevate the litter box where your dog can’t reach but your cat can
• Use a covered litter box with a cat door too small for your dog
• Install a baby gate with a cat-sized opening
• Try a top-entry litter box that most dogs can’t access

2. Clean the Litter Box Frequently

• Scoop at least twice daily (I do it every time I notice my cat has used it)
• Consider an automatic self-cleaning litter box if your cat will accept it
• Complete litter changes more often than the minimum recommendation

3. Training and Behavioral Management

• Teach a solid “leave it” command
• Use positive reinforcement (never punish for this behavior as it can make it worse)
• Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
• Try offering appropriate chew toys as alternatives

4. Dietary Solutions

• Make sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet
• Ask your vet about probiotics to support gut health
• Some products like For-Bid or NaturVet Outta My Box are designed to make stool taste unpleasant
• Consider food additives that make your cat’s poop less appetizing

5. Medical Intervention

If the behavior persists despite your best efforts:

• Have your vet check for underlying health issues like malnutrition or digestive problems
• Deworm both pets regularly to prevent parasite transmission
• Discuss whether anxiety medication might help if the behavior is stress-related

FAQs About Dogs Eating Cat Poop

How common is it for dogs to eat cat poop?

VERY common! I’d estimate that around 80% of the dog owners I talk to who also have cats have experienced this issue at least once. It’s gross but normal dog behavior.

Can my dog get toxoplasmosis from cat poop?

Yes, dogs can contract toxoplasmosis from ingesting cat feces containing the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. While many dogs won’t show symptoms, some may develop fever, lethargy, and digestive issues.

Is it more dangerous if my cat is an outdoor cat?

Absolutely. Outdoor cats are more likely to carry parasites they’ve picked up from hunting or from contact with other animals. Their poop typically poses a higher risk to dogs.

Will eating cat poop once make my dog sick?

Usually, a one-time snack from the litter box won’t cause major problems, but it depends on what parasites or bacteria might be present. Keep an eye out for symptoms just to be safe.

Is clumping cat litter dangerous if eaten?

Yes, clumping litter can be particularly problematic as it’s designed to absorb moisture and form solid clumps. In your dog’s digestive tract, it can cause blockages that might require veterinary intervention or even surgery.

How long after eating cat poop would my dog show symptoms?

If your dog is going to get sick from eating cat poop, you’ll typically see symptoms within 6-48 hours. Digestive upset usually appears first, followed by other symptoms if an infection develops.

My Experience as a Vet: What Really Works

I’ve seen this problem countless times in my practice, and I’ve found that a combination approach works best. One of my clients successfully stopped their Labrador’s litter box raids by:

1. Placing the litter box in a laundry room with a cat door installed
2. Using a covered litter box for added protection
3. Scooping twice daily
4. Ensuring their dog got an extra 20 minutes of exercise daily
5. Working with a trainer on the “leave it” command

Within two weeks, the behavior had completely stopped! The key was making the litter box hard to access while also addressing the dog’s need for mental and physical stimulation.

Final Thoughts

While eating cat poop is disgusting to us humans, it’s a common behavior in dogs that usually comes from their natural instincts. The good news is that with consistent management and training, you can usually stop this behavior.

Remember that prevention is always better than dealing with potential health problems, so take steps now to keep your dog away from the litter box. And if you notice any concerning symptoms after your dog has indulged in this unpleasant habit, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Have you dealt with this issue before? What solutions worked for your pets? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: While I’ve made every effort to provide accurate information, this article shouldn’t replace professional veterinary advice. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, please consult your veterinarian.