Question:
We have a 10-year-old golden retriever. For quite a few years now (we also have cats), she has been eating cat feces and litter out of the litter box. Is there something we can do to stop it? We clean out the litter box as much as possible, but sometimes she beats us to it. Is this addition to her diet harming her?
L., Virginia Beach, Va May 03, 2009
Answer:
Healthy cat poop should not harm your dog. She could simply be cleaning up, just as she would her own puppies. Or she could be lacking certain nutrients, digestive enzymes and beneficial probiotic bacteria present in all healthy animal feces. See to her diet as needed, and avoid using clumping litter that could cause complications if swallowed by your dog. A tablespoon of raw, plain live yogurt daily is all that your dog may need -- this is a popular and effective cure for many dogs that are coprophagic (poop eaters).
Dogs who are given regular dog food (a scoop of dry kibble day in and day out) and no human food or treats often develop nutritional-deficiency diseases as documented in the new book "Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food." Many dogs become poop eaters in order to make up for these deficiencies. Skin problems are common from such junk convenience, causing too many prescriptions for problem-causing prednisone. Dogs also become obese because of carbohydrate excess and then suffer when put on low-calorie, weight-reducing diets that are high in fiber and deficient in nutrients, leaving them constantly hungry.
Subscribe