I’ll never forget the first time I caught my dog sneaking into the litter box like he’d found buried treasure. I was shocked, a little grossed out — and honestly, concerned. I found myself Googling in a panic: what happens if my dog eats cat poop?
As a responsible dog owner, I knew I needed real answers. Is it dangerous? Should I call the vet? And most importantly — how do I stop it from happening again? In this article, I’m sharing everything I learned after speaking with my vet, researching veterinary sources, and going through this first-hand.
Why Is My Dog Eating Cat Poop?
Before I could figure out what happens if my dog eats cat poop, I needed to understand why he was doing it in the first place.
Here’s what I found out:
- Dogs are natural scavengers. Mine eats socks, sticks, and sometimes mystery things at the park — so it didn’t surprise me that poop caught his attention.
- Cat poop smells like food. Because cats eat high-protein diets, their waste still smells “nutritious” to dogs. Gross, but true.
- Boredom plays a role. When my dog was home alone, he was more likely to explore the litter box. It became a game.
According to studies, this behavior — called coprophagia — is surprisingly common. While normal in some contexts, it can still be risky.
📖 Reference: Hart, B. L. et al. (2018). The paradox of canine coprophagy. Vet Med Sci, 4(3), 194–200.
So, What Happens If My Dog Eats Cat Poop?
Here’s the deal: some dogs eat cat poop and seem totally fine. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe. After learning more, I realized just how many health risks I had overlooked.
1. Digestive Problems
My dog had mild diarrhea the day after his litter box snack. That’s when I started connecting the dots. Eating cat poop can upset a dog’s stomach, especially if they’re not used to it. Vomiting, gas, and discomfort are also common.
2. Parasites
My vet warned me that cat feces can carry harmful parasites like:
- Toxoplasma gondii — especially dangerous to puppies and older dogs.
- Roundworms and hookworms — which are easily transmitted through feces.
- Giardia or coccidia — both of which cause diarrhea and dehydration.
I had my dog’s stool tested just to be safe, and thankfully it came back clean — but it’s a real risk.
📖 Reference: CDC. Toxoplasmosis and Pets. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/pets.html
3. Bacterial Infections
Cat poop can also carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. These bugs can make your dog sick — and even pose a danger to you if your pup licks your face afterward.
What If My Dog Eats Litter Along with Cat Poop?
Here’s where things can get even scarier. What happens if my dog eats cat poop with litter? That’s exactly what mine did.
There are two main dangers:
- Clumping clay litter can expand inside a dog’s stomach and cause a blockage. My vet said this could lead to emergency surgery.
- Silica-based litter doesn’t expand, but it can still irritate the digestive system.
My dog ate a small amount and was lucky, but I monitored him for 48 hours — watching for signs like vomiting, bloating, or trouble pooping.
📖 Reference: PetMD. What Happens When Dogs Eat Cat Poop? https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/why-do-dogs-eat-cat-poop
How I Stopped My Dog from Eating Cat Poop
After the incident, I knew I had to stop this behavior for good. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Secured the Litter Box
I moved the litter box to a room with a baby gate. My cat can hop over it, but my dog can’t. There are also covered litter boxes with small entry holes made just for this issue.
2. Training and Redirection
I worked on the “leave it” command, and rewarded my dog for ignoring the litter box. It took time, but consistency paid off.
3. Fixed the Root Problem
I realized he was more tempted when bored. So I added more daily walks, interactive toys, and switched to a high-fiber diet to keep him full and mentally stimulated.
📖 Reference: AKC. Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
Should You Call the Vet?
I asked my vet, “What happens if my dog eats cat poop regularly?” Here’s the advice I got:
Call the vet if:
- Your dog has vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day
- You see blood in their stool
- Your dog seems tired, bloated, or refuses food
- You know they ate a lot of litter
In my case, we did a stool test and deworming just to be cautious. Better safe than sorry!
Can Dogs Pass Illnesses to Humans After Eating Cat Poop?
Yes — and I had no idea. If your dog eats cat poop and then licks your hands, furniture, or even your face, there’s a small risk of zoonotic transmission (illnesses that can pass between pets and humans).
My vet reminded me to:
- Wash hands after touching my dog
- Avoid kisses for a while after suspicious snacking
- Keep both pets up to date on deworming and checkups
📖 Reference: Companion Animal Parasite Council. Toxoplasmosis in Pets and Humans. https://capcvet.org
Final Thoughts: What Happens If My Dog Eats Cat Poop?
To sum it up from my experience: what happens if my dog eats cat poop depends on the situation. One small bite might not be a crisis — but repeated behavior puts your dog at real risk. Parasites, bacteria, and intestinal blockages are no joke.
If your dog has developed a taste for cat poop (like mine did), don’t panic — but do act. Secure the litter box, retrain their habits, and talk to your vet to rule out health concerns. It’s not just about preventing a gross habit; it’s about protecting your dog’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs get disease from eating cat poop?
Yes, dogs can get diseases from eating cat poop, including parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis, roundworms, or giardia. Cat feces may also contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause digestive issues or infections in dogs, especially if their immune system is compromised.
How long will my dog be sick after eating cat poop?
If a dog becomes sick after eating cat poop, symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea usually appear within 24 hours and may last one to three days. However, if parasites or bacteria are involved, illness may persist longer and require veterinary treatment to resolve fully.
Can my dog get sick from eating poop?
Yes, eating poop (coprophagia) can make your dog sick, especially if the feces contain parasites, viruses, or harmful bacteria. It may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even infections, depending on the source and your dog’s health status. Always consult a vet if symptoms appear.
Does cat poop carry diseases?
Cat poop can carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis, roundworms, and bacterial infections like Salmonella. These pathogens can affect dogs and even humans if transmitted. Proper hygiene, litter box management, and regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of disease transmission from cat feces.
Can dogs get sick from their poop?
While it’s less common, dogs can get sick from eating their own poop, especially if they’re already infected with parasites or bacteria. Reinfection or spreading the illness internally can occur. This behavior may also signal nutritional deficiencies or digestive issues that require veterinary attention.
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