Small dogs have a lot of energy and are very curious. Unfortunately, your tiny dog might mistake your cat’s litter box for a fun playground and end up consuming some litter. Although small amounts of litter are likely safe, an excessive amount could be dangerous.
For a number of reasons, your furry friend might dig in the litter box. Cats sometimes pass food particles that go undigested. This results in tempting “kitty candies” in the litter box that tempt your K-9 friend to chow down in your cats’ bathroom. In addition to being disgusting, this condition, known as coprophagia, could give your barking companion a mouthful of waste. Some dogs ingest litter out of curiosity, while others become entrapped with it while being groomed.
According to the ASPCA, silica, a highly absorbent sand compound, is sometimes added to bentonite clay, a naturally occurring type of clay mineral, which is used to make many types of kitty litter, particularly clumping litters. These particles are nontoxic and typically have no issues passing through the digestive tract of your furry family members. If Fido consumes a lot, he might have digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation. In extreme circumstances, consuming kitty litter may result in an obstruction in your dog’s digestive tract, necessitating immediate medical attention. Watch for visual clues of your small dogs distress. He might find it difficult to urinate, lose his appetite, or appear utterly listless. In these situations, take your furry friend to the veterinarian and inform the practitioner that he or she may have consumed cat litter.
Small dogs are sneaky. Hell find his way in if he really wants to even if you try to keep the litter box in a separate room with a gate. Choose alternative litters to ensure your mini K-9 friend’s health and safety. Pellets made from ground newspaper, pine, or other pet-friendly materials are used to make biodegradable litter. While your pet may still experience stomach discomfort if he ingests a mouthful of these pellets, they are frequently simpler for his body to process.
There are several ways to prevent your dog from using the restroom outside. Always remove waste as quickly as you can, but if you have the time, teach Fido to dislike the cat’s toilet. Sprinkle a dab of hot sauce on your cats droppings. Your pet will receive a spicy surprise when he sticks his nose in the litter box to look for treats, but he will be reluctant to do so in the future. Your little dog’s behavior may change after repeating this training procedure several times. Your fuzzy little barker may be discouraged by choosing an enclosed litter box, but your cat might not enjoy using a box with a lid.
Before making any dietary, medication, or exercise changes for your pet, always consult your veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
Melodie Anne Coffman is an expert in general health, with a focus on women’s health and self-defense. She has a master’s degree in food science and human nutrition and is a National Rifle Association-certified instructor. Coffman is pursuing her personal trainer certification in 2015.
Is kitty litter harmful to dogs?
Not only is consuming cat poop bad for your dog, but so is consuming the cat litter that frequently accompanies it.
Cat litter comes in a variety of forms, including clumping and non-clumping, organic and newspaper-based, silica or crystal, and clumping and non-clumping. All are non-toxic and won’t poison your dog, but ingesting cat poop and litter can hurt your dog in a number of different ways.
■ Cat litter is often scented to mask odors. Dogs can develop allergic reactions to perfumes and dyes, and if they consume them, those reactions can leave your dog seriously ill. Cat litter is absorbent, particularly the clumping variety, which can absorb fluids in the digestive tract and cause constipation. Most of the time, this will go away on its own, but if it is severe, an enema or laxative may be necessary. Large amounts of cat litter that are consumed along with fluid absorption run the risk of blocking the dog’s intestine or any other part of the GI tract. The obstruction may result in stomach discomfort, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal distention, and even more severe issues. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove obstructions if blockages do not clear on their own or with medication. Venous strangulation can happen if a cat litter blockage occurs in the small intestine, impairing blood flow and circulation. Once circulation is compromised, tissue death due to a lack of oxygen can occur, which can lead to shock and death. You should avoid using cat litter around your dog’s teeth. It may result in mechanical damage, and bacteria found in cat urine and feces help to cause oral infections. Your dog eating cat feces and litter can spread intestinal parasites common to both cats and dogs. Your dog can contract bacterial infections from cat feces and litter, and gastrointestinal tract infections in dogs can be fatal or extremely serious. Some dogs may also be allergic to cat litter, which can result in symptoms like skin rashes, watery eyes, and respiratory problems.
The cost of treating some of the health issues brought on by consuming cat litter can be high. If your dog is in danger, look for pet insurance right away. Wag! Wellness, which is provided by Pet Insurer, allows pet owners to compare insurance policies from top providers like PetPlan and Trupanion. With just a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Litter?
Typically, dogs don’t intend to eat cat litter because it doesn’t taste very good and isn’t particularly interesting. However, dogs enjoy eating cat poop, so even if they also consume some litter, they probably won’t be too concerned. Some dogs will only occasionally eat cat poop, while others will actively seek it out and cause their owners a lot of trouble. If you notice that your dog is consuming cat litter without passing any feces, it may be a sign of a mineral deficiency. Consult your veterinarian about your concerns.
My Dog Ate Cat Litter – What Should I Do?
Preventing your dog and any other pets from eating more cat litter should be your first priority. Typically, this entails isolating them while you assess the damage and clean up any spills in a separate room.
FAQ
What do I do if my dog ate cat litter?
Keep an eye on your dog if he has consumed cat litter or clumping cat litter. If he has normal bowel movements, he’s probably fine. But you should contact your veterinarian if he doesn’t poop, has trouble pooping, or if his poop is unusual.
What are the symptoms of a dog eating cat litter?
Your dog could get intestinal parasites from eating fecal material. Coprophagy, which is the medical term for consuming feces, can spread hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia. In severe cases, these parasites can also lead to anemia and weight loss in addition to vomiting and diarrhea.
Can dogs get sick from eating cat poop and litter?
Raw meat, unwashed produce, and cat feces are all sources of toxoplasmosis. Get your dog to the vet right away for a wellness check if they are eating cat poop frequently and displaying symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, coughing, or fever.