Why is My Dog Eating Cat Litter?
Does your pup have a keen interest in your cat’s litter box? Maybe does a little more than sniffing? Being scent-oriented, opportunity and curiosity about a litter box full of tasty little treats can be just too good to pass up for some pooches.
How Does It Affect My Dog?
Litter comes in a variety of forms including newspaper pellets, corn cob granules, wooden pellets or shavings, and clay. Most of the time dogs are trying to scoop up some feces and end up with a bit of litter coming along for the ride. Generally this doesn’t cause much ill effect, other than some loose stool. If your dog ingests too much litter it can cause a stomach blockage which could possibly require surgery to remove.
What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Cat Liter?
If you notice your dog got into the litter box, monitor their stool for the next 24 hours. If your dog starts vomiting or arching their back in pain, take him to the vet immediately. Ingesting too much litter can cause a stomach blockage which could possibly require surgery to remove.
Preventative care is important for all of your pets in the home, especially if your cat is adventuring outside. Annual fecal tests are especially important if you have a dog sneaking snacks from the litter box. Most of the time you won’t know if your pet has parasites without regular testing, so it’s important to keep all of your animals protected when sharing a household.
How Can It Be Avoided?
If the litter box is becoming a problem, consider moving it to a place where your dog can’t get to it but your cat can. However, don’t make it too difficult for your cat. If using a baby gate, try getting one with a small hole large enough for your cat but too small for your sneaky pooch. Kitty doors to the basement could be helpful, although some cats don’t like the flap but it’s easily removed generally. Keeping the litter box clean should help your pup steer clear of it (plus it’ll make your cat happy). As always, a tired dog is a content dog. Keep your dog busy to prevent him from finding his own games or snacks.
There isn’t one perfect solution, but there are plenty of options out there to try. You can even try lifting the baby gate you currently have so the cat can slide under but your dog can’t. Your cat should feel comfortable and safe while doing his business, and you can relax knowing your pooch isn’t going to be digging for buried treasure.