Introduce the Problem
Dogs getting into litter boxes is a common issue cat owners face. This undesirable behavior can create messes, pose health risks, and cause stress for both pets and owners. As natural scavengers, dogs are often drawn to the smells and textures of cat litter. Puppies, in particular, may view the litter box as a fun play area or chew toy. Older dogs may start sampling litter due to medical issues, dietary deficiencies, or anxiety. Whatever the cause, allowing your dog access to the litter box can result in ingestion of cat feces and litter, spread germs in the home, and create conflict between pets. By understanding why dogs are attracted to litter boxes and implementing some simple solutions, owners can tactfully keep both pets happy and healthy. With consistency and patience, cats and dogs can peacefully co-exist without compromising litter box hygiene.
Understand Why Dogs are Attracted
Dogs are attracted to litter boxes for a few main reasons. First, cats’ urine and feces emit strong odors that dogs’ sensitive noses can detect from far away. Dogs are naturally curious and drawn to explore anything with an intriguing scent. Second, litter boxes contain traces of food that cats did not fully digest. Dogs love cat food and will happily eat any leftovers they find. Finally, some dogs view litter boxes as potential play areas or digging spots due to the loose substrate. Puppies in particular may see litter as an invite for play.
To keep dogs away from the litter box, it’s important to understand what motivates them in the first place. Smells attract their attention, curiosity drives them to investigate, and leftover food rewards their efforts. Managing these factors can reduce dogs’ motivation to access the litter box.
Health Risks of Dogs Eating Cat Litter
Dogs eating cat litter poses some concerning health risks that pet owners should be aware of. The biggest risks come from actually ingesting the litter. Since cat litter is not food, eating it can cause intestinal blockages and toxicity in dogs.
Clumping clay litters expand when wet, so they can easily cause obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. This can cut off vital blood supply and require emergency surgery to remove. Non-clumping litters are less likely to cause blockages, but can still accumulate over time.
Cat feces often contain parasites like toxoplasmosis and hookworms that can be transmitted to dogs who eat litter. This causes parasitic infection which requires medication to treat. Ingesting litter can also introduce bacteria, viruses, and toxins into a dog’s system leading to illness.
Additionally, litter dust when breathed in excess can potentially cause respiratory irritation. Chemical additives and perfumes in some litter types could also negatively impact dog health.
Since the health risks involved can be quite dangerous, owners need to take preventing access and eating of cat litter very seriously. Catching issues early and stopping the behavior is key to avoiding emergency situations.
Train the Dog
One of the most effective ways to keep dogs out of the litter box is through training. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to avoid the litter box area entirely.
Crate training is a great option for when you’re not home to supervise. Dogs naturally avoid soiling in their crates, so keeping your dog crated when unsupervised prevents access to the litter box. Be sure to start crate training gradually and make it a positive experience for your dog.
Reward-based training is also very effective. Whenever your dog goes near the litter box, interrupt the behavior with a firm “no” then immediately redirect their attention elsewhere. Reward them with treats and praise when they leave the area. With time, they will learn to avoid the box.
If your dog continues going in the box, use corrective measures like startling sounds or spray bottles with water. Only use corrections in the moment while they’re in the act, and immediately follow up with praise for leaving the box. The goal is to teach them the litter box is an unacceptable potty place.
With diligent training, you can break the habit so your dog stops seeing the litter box as a toilet. Consult a certified dog trainer for help establishing an effective training plan suited to your dog.
Move the Box
Finding an area your dog can’t access is often the simplest solution to keeping them out of the litter box. Dogs have a hard time getting into small, enclosed spaces. Consider placing the litter box in a closet, bathroom, or utility room that has a door or baby gate across the entrance. You can also put the litter box up on a table or surface that’s too high for your dog to jump on.
If your home lacks easily restricted areas, get creative about finding spaces your dog can’t reach. For example, some people build a wooden box or cabinet with a cat door installed in the side. The cat can get in through their small door but the dog stays out. You may be able to move the litter box up into an open basement rafter or onto a ledge or platform.
Make sure the litter box location still allows easy access for your cat. Cats don’t like to feel cornered or trapped when doing their business. The space should feel open and safe to the cat while restricting the dog.
Get a Covered Litter Box
One of the most effective ways to keep dogs out of the litter box is to get a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes have a top or hood that prevents dogs from being able to access the litter inside. This acts as a physical barrier that stops dogs from getting into the litter.
Covers are very effective because they contain the smells and make the litter box less appealing and noticeable to dogs. The closed-in design stops odors from escaping out into the open air. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so exposed litter boxes allow odors to waft out, attracting curious dogs.
With a covered litter box, the smells stay mostly contained inside the enclosure. This deters dogs from investigating and rummaging through the litter, since they can’t detect the scents as strongly. So covers are an easy solution that removes much of the temptation and blocks access.
Use Aversives
One way to deter dogs from going into the litter box is to make the area unpleasant or scary for them. Here are some methods:
- Scatter citrus peels around and even in the litter box. Dogs dislike the strong citrus smell.
- Place upside-down carpet runner or double-sided sticky tape around and in the box. The texture will bother a dog’s paws.
- Set up motion sensor devices that spray air or make sounds when triggered. The surprise can startle dogs away.
- Use a Scat Mat – this is a special mat that delivers a mild shock when stepped on, which teaches dogs to avoid the area.
The goal is not to hurt the dog, but to use harmless yet unpleasant deterrents. This teaches the dog that the litter box is an unacceptable area to access. Be consistent and patient, and do not punish the dog directly.
Restrict Access
One of the most effective ways to keep your dog out of the litter box is to restrict their access to the room where it’s located. Install a baby gate across the doorway or close the door to the room. You can also get a pet gate with a cat door that allows your cat to enter but keeps your dog out.
Look for gates that are tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping over. Hardware mounted, wall-attached gates are very sturdy options. Freestanding gates can also work well, but make sure they are rigid and heavy enough that your dog can’t knock them down.
If you don’t want to install permanent gates, consider getting doorstops to prop open doors just wide enough for your cat. You can also try hanging a plastic flap over the doorway. The flap should have slits cut in it to allow your cat to push through while keeping the dog out.
When deciding where to place gates or doors, look at your home layout pragmatically. You want to restrict access while still allowing your cat easy access to the litter box. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal setup.
With a little cleverness and commitment to consistency, restricting your dog’s access can be an effective way to keep them out of the litter box. Just be sure they still have adequate opportunities for exercise, enrichment, and time with their humans.
Clean Regularly
Scooping your cat’s litter box on a daily basis is one of the most effective ways to keep dogs out of the litter box. Dogs are attracted to the strong smells of cat waste, so removing feces and urine clumps every day eliminates odors and makes the litter box less appealing. Use clumping litter and be sure to scoop all areas of the box. Dispose of the waste properly by sealing it in bags before putting it in the trash.
In addition to daily scooping, you should wash the litter box with soap and hot water at least once a week. Take everything out of the box and scrub the bottom and sides with an antibacterial cleaner. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residual smells. Washing the litter box regularly prevents the buildup of odors that may tempt dogs.
Replacing the litter entirely every 2-3 weeks is also recommended. Older litter gets saturated with urine and cannot be fully cleaned. Use fresh litter each time to reduce odors. Keeping the litter fresh and clean at all times through scooping, washing, and replacing is key to discouraging your dog from getting into the litter box.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog is showing concerning symptoms after getting into the litter box, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Specifically, look out for the following signs:
- Eating litter. Consuming clumping or non-clumping litter can cause intestinal blockages and other digestive issues.
- Lethargy or lack of energy. This may be a sign your dog ingested something toxic.
- Vomiting. Throwing up repeatedly after getting into the litter is not normal and requires veterinary attention.
Some litter ingredients like silica gel packets can be dangerous if swallowed. Clumping litters expand when wet and can cause obstructions. Even non-clumping, scent-free litters aren’t designed to be edible.
If you notice these or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your vet. They can help assess if your dog needs treatment like inducing vomiting or IV fluids. The sooner you call, the better the outcome for your dog’s health.