Why does my dog seek out and eat cat poop?

1. 60

   BealeDposted 15 years ago

   Why does my dog seek out and eat cat poop?
   
   I have a 12 year old red merl aussie. She had ALWAYS gotten into the litter box. Even though I have scolded her for this, she is very sneaky (as anyone with an aussie knows) and will get into it when I am not looking.

   replyreport
2. 61

   John Fracchiaposted 15 years ago

   I have also had this problem with dogs.  There's a good article on "Dog-Obedience-Training-Review.com" but the site won't allow me to post the link.  You can find it on Google, though.
   
   We tried using Alum, which you sprinkle on the cat food.  Alum is what gives pickles their pucker.  It was fairly effective in stopping the behavior.

   replyreport
3. 89

   Theophanesposted 15 years ago

   Many mammals, including dogs, eat poop so that they can reclaim the good bacteria that's been disposed with it. Gut bacteria in young animals might not exist at all until they eat some poo, older animals can get gut bacteria imbalances after taking anti-biotics, eating the wrong foods or diet, or just due to older age and the immune system breaking down. It may be worth your time to try and feed your dog some pro-biotics. Acidopholus can be purchased for humans and animals, yogurt is cheaper and also effective, and products like Bene-Bac and colostrum are easily purchased at pet and feed stores. Hopefully that'll help, otherwise it could be more of a behavioral problem (eating the poop at first for a reason but then reverting to that behavior later because it's rewarding in some way.) Best wishes!

   replyreport
4. 92

   habeeposted 15 years ago

   Ugh. My dogs do it, too. They love to go outside and find the "tootsie rolls" the kitties have left for them. Now if I could just train the cats to eat the Great Dane piles...
   
   My vet says there's no real reason for the behavior - dogs just like the taste. I read that it's probably a holdover from canine scavenger instincts. It's an activity dogs learn from other dogs. Mother dogs lcik their pups' bottoms to stimulate defacation and urination, and she consumes both to remove the smell so predators won't find the puppies. Maybe adult dogs remember their mothers' behavior and minic it.
   
   My dogs really love cow and horse poop!

   replyreport
5. 60

   Stimpposted 15 years ago

   Be happy it's not horse poop....as my dogs seem to find as treats!!!

   replyreport
6. 71

   gg.zainoposted 13 years ago

   Hey Beale,
   ...It's only my opinion, but the way i see it, our dogs figure the cat hadn't quite finished digesting its gourmet meal and simply wants the leftovers.
   Food doesn't go to waste when it comes to our hounds of mass consumption.
   peace ~ greg z  -~

   replyreport