How to Keep the Dog Out of the Litter Box

When your dog runs up to lick your face, most pet owners probably don’t want to smell cat poop! While it’s natural for dogs to be curious about the cat box, it’s important to discourage them from sniffing around or eating anything from it. Read on to learn how to keep the dog out of the litter box with seven tried-and-true methods.

Why Are Dogs Attracted To The Litter Box?

Dogs might be attracted to the kitty litter box for several reasons, mostly out of curiosity or boredom. They may be interested in investigating and sifting through the litter box area because it’s unfamiliar to them, and because they’re curious about cat poop.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

Eating the feces of other animals is called coprophagia, but why do dogs want to eat cat poop?!

Dogs may be driven to eat cat feces because it smells like cat food. Dogs who are missing key nutrients in their diet may seek it out somewhere else. Cat food is high in protein and calories, so it’s understandable that dogs may be attracted to it. As much as they may want to eat it, cat food isn’t good for dogs regularly because of its high fat content.

Risks of Eating Cat Poop & Litter

Not only is eating cat poop gross, it can also be harmful to your dog’s health. There may be bacteria in cat feces like salmonella that can make dogs sick. It may also contain a parasite that can cause an infection called toxoplasmosis in humans, leading to flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches in severe cases. Just another reason dog owners don’t want pups licking their face if they’ve been eating cat poop!

If your dog is eating mouthfuls of cat litter along with cat poop, it can cause blockage in their intestines. Since cat litter is absorbent, it can absorb the necessary liquid in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation and putting them at risk for obstructive bowel disease. Signs of a blockage in your dog’s G.I. system include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite.

How To Keep Dogs Out Of The Litter Box: 7 Methods

Cat owners who also own dogs may find themselves in the tricky position of parenting felines and canines at the same time. Keeping your dog away from the litter box is key to preventing them from eating out of it.

1. Clean The Cat Litter Box Often

Keeping the litter box free of excess cat poop is the best way to keep your dog from eating it. This doesn’t mean you need to scoop your cat’s poop every time they go, but cleaning the litter box once or twice a day will reduce opportunities for your dog to get into it.

2. Make Sure Your Pup Is Getting Quality Dog Food

Since some dogs seek out cat poop for its nutrient content, giving your dog plenty of nutrients should help deter this behavior. Making sure your dog is getting a well-rounded diet full of the nutrition they need to stay healthy and satisfied. This may reduce the likelihood they want to seek out additional calories and nutrients from other sources.

3. Use A Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Spring for a self-cleaning litter box or a litter robot to scoop your cat’s poop often without having to remember to do it yourself. They typically work by sifting or raking cat feces out of the box and into a disposal compartment that you can easily throw in the trash later. Self-cleaning litter boxes make it easy to clean up for you and help keep curious dogs out!

4. Restrict the Litter Box Area

The first step to keeping your dog out of the litter box area is restricting your dog’s access to it. If they can’t get to the cat box, they can’t eat cat poop or litter! Making it clear that the litter box is off-limits will help discourage your dog from getting into it.

A baby gate or a pet gate is a great way to separate the space where the litter box lives. You can also use a door buddy or door latch, which allows you to leave the door to a room open just enough to let a cat through and keep a doggy out.

5. Get A Dog-Proof Litter Box

Using a dog-proof cat litter box will surely help keep your pup away from the poop. There are a handful of ways to make a cat box dog-proof, and enclosed litter boxes are the best way to keep dogs out.

Covered litter boxes are a great way to discourage dogs from their curiosity. They help reduce smell and make the litter harder to access. A covered box lets cats in and keeps dogs out. This may not work as well for small dogs, but will surely help keep larger dogs out of the litter box area.

Getting a cat litter box with top entry is a great option to discourage litter eating since your dog can’t get in from the sides. While a covered box or top entry box may work to keep larger dogs at bay, smaller dogs may need to be kept out with more careful measures.

6. Put the Litter Box in a Room With a Cat Door

Keep your cat’s litter box somewhere separate (like the laundry room or the sun room) where you can allow them access with a cat door that your dog can’t use. If your dog can’t get through the pet door and into the room where the cat box is, there’s no risk of them eating cat poop or litter. Just be sure not to leave the door open!

7. Train Your Dog

Dog training is an important tool in keeping your dog out of the litter box long-term. Aside from removing your dog’s easy access to the litter box, training them not to go near it will add another layer of deterring eating from it.

How to Train Your Dog to Stay Away From The Litter Box

1. Hold a treat in your hand — ensure your dog knows you have it — and bring them into the litter box room.
2. Once your dog notices the litter box, be ready to tell them to “leave it.”
3. If they can follow your command, reward them with a treat. If not, repeat the process.