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jennapbt · Jul 22, 2006, 04:40 PM

Some dogs that I know are eating cat poop. I've tried everything I can think of from supplimenting the diet, to keeping it away, to yelling, to sprays. I'm not sure what to do. I wonder what would draw a dog to cat poop?

valinors_sorrow · Jul 22, 2006, 04:45 PM

The extra high protein in the cat's diet makes cat poop a delicacy to dogs. I know this by having two cats and a dog. I had to turn the litter box toward the wall and leave only enough room for the cats to sneak in since my dog was reaching in and helping herself -UGGH!! As it is, the cats love the extra privacy. LOL

The only way out of it that I know is to make sure the dog doesn't have access.

jennapbt · Jul 22, 2006, 04:58 PM

Yeah I had always heard that it was some sort of vitamin deficiency. Like I said I recommended supplementing but that didn't help. I really haven't heard anything about cat poop being high in protein. Plus would a dog really stop to think "oh there's cat poop, I think I need some protein in my diet." I know every dog that I've come across is obsessed w/ cat FOOD, so maybe they can still smell it or something. I'm not really sure. I think I'm going to ask the Dr. at work on Monday to see what he says.

valinors_sorrow · Jul 22, 2006, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by jennapbt

Plus would a dog really stop to think "oh there's cat poop, I think I need some protein in my diet."

Its not so much that as the combination of this:
1. The cat's diet is so high in protein that some of it is passed not completely digested and so the poop is high protein.
2. All dogs are programmed to hunt and eat as much protein as they can find, so therefore the cat poop qualifies as food.

I know that should I accidentally drop some cat food on the floor, my dog acts like she hit the jackpot. Whereas I can leave out dry dog kibble all day and both cats pass it up. I read an incredible little book called The Hidden Life of Dogs that explained why dogs sniff each other's butt and it has to do with eating well, supposedly! Those who eat well are more easily considered as an alpha dog than those who don't apparently? Food is such a big deal to animals. I would be interested in hearing what the Dr. has to say too?

Thomas1970 · Jul 22, 2006, 10:57 PM

I myself have three dogs and two cats. Unfortunately, I too have found little solution to this problem. The cat is barely out of the bathroom and it is literally a race to see who can get to the so-called "snack bar" first. It has gotten to the point where I literally, sometimes, just yell "Hot lunch!", watch the stampede, and be thankful I don't have to clean the litterbox for a few hours.
A truly disgusting habit, but likely not harmful in most cases. I wish you luck. :rolleyes: :)

jennapbt · Jul 25, 2006, 12:05 AM

Forgot to ask the dr today, oops! I'll ask tomorrow.

Dr D · Jul 25, 2006, 12:33 PM

Yes, dogs do love their tootsie roll treats. I have solved the problem with my two cats and one Yorkie Dog (big for the breed - about 10 lbs). I put the litter box on a 30" high wheeled cart, and put sheet plastic barriers on the sides of the litter box to keep the dog from jumping in. It also helps to keep the litter in the box. It also makes it easier to clean the box because you can do it while standing.

J_9 · Jul 25, 2006, 12:37 PM

Actually this question was asked in my daughter's "Book of Imponderables."

The answer that did come from vets was an answer that was already given. It has to do with the fact that there is still some food that contains protein in the feces. The dogs are attracted to the scent of the protein and voilà they eat it.

valinors_sorrow · Jul 25, 2006, 12:46 PM

My litter box is covered almost like an little igloo and the opening is turned to the wall. That fixed it!

Dr D · Jul 25, 2006, 12:56 PM

If something is really disgusting, a dog will try to eat it or roll in it. On our morning walk, I have had to stop my Yorkie from rolling on the flattened carcass of a bird on the roadway. I think it goes back to when dogs were wolves.

Thomas1970 · Jul 25, 2006, 05:43 PM

I can relate to that. Took my dogs for a hike a few weeks back. One started to rub all over what had been either a beaver or an otter, not sure which, it was so badly decomposed. The smell was atrocious. :p

jennapbt · Jul 25, 2006, 07:57 PM

Agree with everything you said J_9. I asked one of the vet today at work and he said that along with other things. Yeah dogs are attacted to smelly things it does go back to their wild instincts to cover up their own smell to decieve predators and enemies. I agree with the protein thing to an extent also. Maybe that's why only one in the household does it. He is a senior and on a diet most likely with low protein. Maybe I should look into foods. I think the best solution is just making it unaccessable to the "wolves" lol. The only hard part about that is I have a kitten and she can't jump very high yet. I can't put it in another room, because she has learned to use the dog door and so I have been keeping the gate down on it when I let her roam the house so she doesn't get out. So I'm sure I'll figure something out. Plus they don't do it on a regular basis just rarely when bored I guess. As for my friends dog I'm sure he can make it unaccessable to his little booger. Thanks for everyone's comments.