How to Prevent Coprophagia in Dogs: Evidence-Based Home Remedies

If you're having trouble stopping your dog from eating cat poop, try these proven home remedies to help prevent coprophagia. To keep your dog from eating cat poop, use deterrents like aluminum foil, double-sided sticky tape, or citrus peels to keep dogs away from the litter box. Make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly. You can also add additives like pineapple, yucca, or papaya to the cat's food to make their poop less appealing.

While home remedies may be the most convenient and cost-effective way to stop your dog from eating cat poop, we'll also take a look at the evidence-based research behind this behavior. By reviewing the literature in animal behavior, nutrition, and veterinary medicine, we'll explore the causes and give you a well-rounded view of this common problem. Learn about research-backed solutions, training methods, and potential medical causes so you can stop your dog from eating cat poop for good.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

If you have a dog that eats cat poop, you're not alone. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can be frustrating and even a little gross for pet parents. However, knowing why your dog is doing it can help you stop the behavior. According to the Animal Behavior College, one reason dogs eat cat poop is that they are attracted to the high protein and fat content in cat food, which is then passed through the cat's digestive system and into their feces. Meanwhile, Caring Hearts Animal Hospital says that the behavior is a result of dogs' natural scavenging instincts.

In addition to these reasons, coprophagia can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or stress, which can lead dogs to look for other food sources or engage in self-soothing behaviors. Meanwhile, PetMD explains that coprophagia can also be caused by medical issues like intestinal parasites, malabsorption problems, or cognitive dysfunction in older dogs. On the other hand, the same source says that puppies may eat feces to get good bacteria to populate their developing digestive systems.

While coprophagia is a common issue in dogs, it's important to stop the behavior to prevent potential health problems and ensure that your dog is getting the nutrition they need. However, knowing the many reasons behind the behavior can help pet parents take the right steps to stop it and ensure their pets' health and happiness.

Health Risks of Dogs Eating Cat Poop

One of the most obvious health risks of dogs eating cat poop is that it exposes them to parasites that may be present in the feces, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis. According to the ASPCA Pet Insurance, toxoplasmosis can cause severe symptoms in puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems, including fever, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

In addition, dogs that eat cat feces may be exposed to bacteria or medication residues in the cat's stool that can cause stomach upset. Dogs that eat large amounts of cat litter, especially litters that contain sodium bentonite and form clumps in the intestines, can develop intestinal blockages, according to Preventive Vet.

To protect the health of their pets, dog owners need to find ways to keep their dogs from eating cat poop. There are several home remedies and training methods that can help stop this behavior.

Other Ways to Stop Your Dog From Eating Cat Poop

In addition to the above methods, Animal Behavior College says that one of the most effective home remedies is to make sure the dog can't access the litter box. This can be done by putting the box in a room with a baby gate or by purchasing a dog-proof litter box.

The same article also recommends using deterrents around the litter box, such as aluminum foil, double-sided sticky tape, or citrus peels, which dogs don't like. wikiHow also suggests adding natural additives like pineapple, yucca, or papaya to the cat's diet, which can make the poop less appealing in smell and taste.

MetLife Pet Insurance also says that it's important to make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly to remove any temptation for the dog to explore. They also recommend using stool deterrents or sprays that are made to discourage dogs from eating feces.

Training Methods and Positive Reinforcement

Training your dog to understand the 'leave it' command and then using it consistently when they go near the litter box is a training method that works, according to A1 Savannahs. Positive reinforcement, such as giving your dog a treat or praise when they listen to the 'leave it' command, can help deter this behavior, according to Basepaws.

Making sure your dog has enough mental stimulation and interactive toys can help prevent boredom, which can lead to coprophagia, according to Zigzag. And, as the same source notes, associating negative things, like bad tastes or smells, with eating cat poop can help deter the behavior.

It's important to remember that training will take time and effort, so make sure to be patient and consistent. However, with these training methods and positive reinforcement, pet parents can help their dogs kick the habit of eating cat poop.

Treating Underlying Issues and Ensuring a Balanced Diet

Making sure your dog is eating a well-balanced diet is important to treat any nutritional deficiencies that could be causing your dog to eat cat poop, according to Caring Hearts Animal Hospital. In addition, a vet can help you determine if there are any medical issues, such as parasites or gastrointestinal problems, that are causing your dog to eat cat poop, according to PetMD.

Making sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation is also important to make sure your dog isn't eating cat poop because they are bored, according to Zigzag. Enrichment techniques, such as rotating toys and using puzzle feeders, can help make sure your dog is mentally stimulated.

If your dog is eating cat poop because of stress or anxiety, it may be important to work with a professional to make sure that the underlying issues are treated. By making sure you are looking at your dog's diet, health, and environmental needs, you can make sure that you are creating a safe and healthy environment for your dog.

Conclusion: How to Create a Safer, Healthier Environment

Preventing dogs from eating cat poop is essential for their health and well-being, as it can expose them to harmful parasites and bacteria. According to Animal Behavior College, keeping the litter box inaccessible to the dog by placing it in a separate room or using baby gates is an effective home remedy. wikiHow also suggests using deterrents like cayenne pepper or commercial sprays around the litter box to make the cat poop less appealing.

As mentioned by Preventive Vet, it's important to clean the litter box regularly and thoroughly. In addition, wikiHow notes that feeding dogs a nutritionally complete diet and addressing any medical issues that may be causing them to eat cat poop can help stop the behavior.

Positive reinforcement training can be used to train dogs to "leave it" when they approach the litter box, and making sure dogs get enough exercise and mental stimulation can help them overcome this habit, according to A1 Savannahs and Basepaws.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, pet owners can create a safer and healthier environment for their furry companions. Seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist may be necessary in more challenging cases.