How to wean a dog from rummaging in a cat tray and why a dog eats cat feces

As cute as dogs are, sometimes they do some pretty disgusting things. Among such unpleasant things, one can recall raids on a cat’s litter tray and eating its contents. How to wean a dog from eating cat feces and looking into the toilet of a furry friend?

Why do dogs eat cat feces?

As the American Kennel Club, eating cat feces is in some way normal behavior for four-legged friends, although a person perceives this as something very unpleasant. Dogs are natural scavengers, tending to eat anything that has a strong smell, even feces. For the subtle scent of these animals, cat excrement smells like cat food, which is a special treat for them. Finding these delicious “nuggets” in the tray, the dog thinks he hit the jackpot.

But despite the fact that such actions give the pet pleasure, it must be weaned from them. Cat feces can contain harmful bacteria, including salmonella, which can make your dog sick. They can also carry parasites that cause toxoplasmosis. It is dangerous for humans, and a pet can pass it on by licking the owner in the face, they say. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cat litter can also be harmful to your pet: drinking too much of it can cause intestinal obstruction.

How to wean a dog from eating cat feces and rummaging in a tray

The choice of the most effective method will depend on the size and temperament of the dog, as well as on its ability to learn. The cat can also affect the effectiveness of certain methods.

Clean the litter box more often

One of the most effective methods is to clean the litter box frequently, says PetSafe. Of course, cleaning up after a cat every time she goes big is unrealistic, but cleaning the litter box once or twice a day will help reduce the dog’s interest in it. This task can be facilitated by a self-cleaning automatic cat litter box, if the fluffy beauty agrees to use it. You can also switch to a neutralizing odor litter that will help discourage your dog from digging into it.

train a dog

The most reliable way to keep your pet away from the litter box is to teach him not to go there. Before starting training, it is important to make sure that the dog is getting quality foodso that there are no nutritional deficiencies in her diet. She also needs to provide plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation so that she doesn’t dig through the litter box out of boredom. After making sure that these basic requirements are met, the following recommended steps can be taken: AKCC Steps to teach your dog the “Foo!” command:

1. Place the treat on the floor, cover it with the palm of your hand, and let your dog sniff it.
2. When the dog begins to lose interest and turn away, you need to say “Fu!”.
3. With your free hand, treat your pet to a treat that she likes more than what is covered with her palm.
4. Gradually move on to saying “Fu!” while the dog is still sniffing the treat. It is important to reward your dog with treats when he turns away.
5. Once the dog learns to associate the command with getting a treat that is tastier than the one he is researching, you can try having him sniff the litter box and say “Phew!”.

Limit access

If all else fails, you may just need to limit your pet’s access to the cat litter box. If a representative of a small breed of dog lives in the house, you can put the cat tray higher or place it in the bath. In the case of a larger dog, a covered litter box may be appropriate if the cat is willing to tolerate a lid. If the furry refuses to use a littered litter box, the best option is to install a special fence or a hinged cat door on the door to the room where the litter box is located.

It is important not to forget about the preferences of the cat. If you need to move her tray, do it gradually, in small steps, to give the pet time to get used to the idea. The change of the filler should also take place step by step – by mixing a small amount of the new filler with the old one, with a gradual increase as the cat gets used to it.

See also:

• Your dog’s strange behavior
• Why does a dog eat everything while walking?
• Common Dog Behaviors