How do I keep the dang dog from getting into the kitty litter box?

Answer 1

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1474

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THE CANINE BEHAVIOR SERIES
By Kathy Diamond Davis
Author and Trainer



Eating Feces from Cat Litter Boxes


People tend to be horrified to find their dog is eating feces from the cat litter box. One of the first questions they ask is whether this means the dog has a nutritional deficiency. Since the behavior is common even in the most well nourished dogs, the fact that they like the taste is a more likely reason. It's not a good idea to allow it to happen, and training is not a reliable option for a behavior that provides the dog with a "tasty treat"-tasty to the dog, that is.

What to Do

It is normal for dogs to eat cat feces wherever they can find it. If the dog had access to the litter box prior to this and never touched it, that might mean a change in behavior significant to a change in medical status. It could also mean, though, that the dog just didn't discover this doggie delicacy until recently.

Think about whether some change in the household may have made the cat litter box easier to get to--that could be your answer. For example, a cat might have previously intimidated the dog so much that the dog wasn't willing to brave the box. That cat may be less firm with the dog now, or perhaps the dog got through and got a taste, and now is harder for the cat to deter.

If you suspect a medical problem, and especially if the dog is showing any symptoms, of course see your veterinarian. All manner of medical problems can cause changes in eating behavior.

Whether there is a medical problem or not, you'll now need to place the litter box where it is physically impossible for the dog to get to it, but easy for the cat(s). For one thing, cats will often abandon using a litter box when a dog starts intruding. Most people will find this at least as serious a problem as a dog eating cat feces.

People arrange the litter box in various ways, depending on the relative sizes of their dogs and cats, as well as the agility of the cats. Sometimes placing the litter box higher than the dog can jump works well, if the cat is completely comfortable making the jump.

If the dog is larger than the cat, you can put the litter box behind an opening that the cat can fit through but the dog cannot. One idea is a baby gate set slightly above the floor so that a cat can scoot under it (or jump over). Of course it has to be high enough that the dog can't jump it. Sometimes that means stacking two baby gates, one above the other.

It's also possible to use a chain on a doorframe or doorknob, modified to the right length so the cat can slip through the opening but the dog cannot. Another variation is to use wire to make a latch that holds the door partially open. Whatever you devise, remember to make it feasible to take on and off to go in and out of the room.

Another arrangement is to put a box over the litter box with an opening at one end, and then put a bigger box over that one with an opening in the other end. The cat can go in one opening, through the "tunnel" between boxes to the other opening, and into the box. This method may not work with a small, audacious dog who will go through the maze, too! Remember that cats see well in the dark, so the darkness inside this contraption is not a problem.

Conclusion

Having a dog invade the litter box is not a cat's idea of reasonable privacy, and eating cat feces is not particularly good for the dog. The behavior is innately rewarding since the dog likes the taste, so you're unlikely to solve it with attempts at training. The safest and best solution is to simply rearrange the situation so the dog finds it physically impossible to get to the cat litter box.

Date Published: 7/5/2003 1:19:00 PM
Date Revised: 10/02/2003"

Answer 2

Get a covered litter box and find a spot where you can turn the box backwards that allows the cat room to get in but the dog can't. I had this problem and put the box in a space between the wall and my washer so the dog couldn't get around to the front of the box but my cat can jump over the box and leave enough space for the cat to get inside the box. with the box opening facing the back wall. good luck this has worked for me for the past 3 years.

Answer 3

I had the same problem and a covered litterbox did not help as my dog is small and could get into it also. I had an epiphany one night as I slept and realized how to solve the problem..... I got an old end table that had room enough for the litter pan and still gave the cat room to stand next to (so he could get in and out).The dog can no longer reach it.
However if you have a larger dog , you may want to consider placing the box in a room the dog can not get into either by blocking the room with a baby gate ($8-$10) the dog can not jump or by cutting a pet opening in the door that is only large enough for the cat to get in.
Dogs eating cat waste is not only gross but it can cause major health problems for your dog.

Answer 4

But the litter box in a room that only the cat can get into or if the dog is bigger than the cat put a cat door that the dog can not fit through on the door you but the litter box in. You may also consider potty traing the cat to use the toliet

Answer 5

put a box over it with an opening that only kitty can fit into not dogs head an turn the box around facing a wall so only kitty has room to get into it an when you see the dog going for it spray him with a spray bottle of water so the thinks it will happen each time.. training him is key..

Answer 6

You can shake some Tabasco sauce over the litter.When your dog gets a mouthful of that it will discourage him from getting into the litter box again. The reason I know what to do is I had the same problem with our family dog.

Answer 7

Get a covered litter box. And try cleaning out the kitty poop more frequently.

Answer 8

You have to "barricade" the cat box so that only the cat can get into it. Using covered litter boxes will NOT keep your dog out.

Answer 9

It could be worse:
The dang dog could be getting the kitty in the litter box.

Answer 10

you need to put the litter box in a tight place where the dog won't get to it or you could get a covered litter box