People introduce a dog to a cat household or a cat to a dog household and sometimes forget to consider one key component – the litter box. Of course, the box itself is not typically the problem. It’s what’s in the box that concerns pet owners. Dogs are generally very attracted to cat feces, not necessarily just for the smell, but for the taste as well. Yuck! How unpleasant for the dog owner. And how dangerous for dogs.

Oddly enough the feces itself has not been proven a hazard to dogs, except for possibly the transmission of worms, but the litter can be extremely dangerous. Clumping litters are by far the most popular among cat owners. These litters pose a serious risk to dogs when ingested by the mouthfuls. They are designed to absorb liquid and form hard solids – neither of which you want happening inside your dog.

Rather than attempting to modify this behavior, find a way to prevent it. No need to change litters. Do choose your litter box style and location carefully, though. You can:

• locate the litter box in a lit closet with a small cat door installed on the closet door.
• employ the use of a baby gate low enough for your cat to get over, but tall enough to thwart your dog.
• use a covered litter box or one with a top entry that won’t fit your dog’s nose
• put a litter box in a large wire dog crate with the top removed (so you can clean the box) and the door secured slightly open so the cat can enter, but the dog cannot.

Be creative. It’s worth the effort. And do make sure your cat is comfortable with your choice, or you could end up with a different kind of litter box problem.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

Great advice sweetie.

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