Help! My Dog Eats from the Litter Box!

Warning-what you are about to read might make you a little queasy...

I have one dog and five cats in my home, so I'm amazed that anything surprises me anymore. I'm lucky that my animals get along, even in our small home. However, some lines can be crossed and in the gross, "why do they do that?" category of animal behaviors.

Lately, my dog has been fascinated with the litter box. Lola is a large black Labrador, who is very interested in every move the cats make. She follows them around, plays with their toys, and sometimes eats their food. It's almost as if she plays the role of the big sister, protecting and observing our cats. However, she's developed a nasty habit of late: eating out of the litter box.

It's disgusting, really. I walk by the litter box, and notice that the dog is acting as if it's an area where her new treats are stored. We try to keep the litter box clean as much as possible, but she still sneaks in every now and then. Why does she do it, and what can we do to make her stop? Here are some tips if you have the same problem:

#1: Keep the litter box clean. Obviously, this can be a quick problem solver. If you have only one cat, it's likely your litter box is much cleaner than a home that has multiple cats. However, experts recommend that there should be one litter box per cat in the household, and if this is the case, it creates a more difficult scenario.

#2: Purchase a litter box with a cover. Again, this is a better solution for those who may only have one or two cats, as this might not be recommended for a house with multiple cats. This will make it more difficult for your dog to get into the litter box, and will give your cats added privacy.

#3: Consult with your veterinarian. Although eating cat waste is a (believe it or not) normal activity for many dogs, if it becomes a new habit, talk to your veterinarian. Your dog may show signs of sickness, and based on the type of cat litter your dog eats, it could make it more difficult for your dog to digest food properly. I have discussed this with my vet, and luckily, our dog does not have health problems. However, we were told to bring her back in if she began to have problems digesting her food or using the bathroom.

#4: Attempt medication. Some pet owners have used medication available at local pet stores such as PetSmart or PetCo, which are supposed to deter your dog from eating the cat litter. However, according to Earth Clinic, you can try to use cayenne pepper on the litter, and once your dog has a spicy treat, she will likely avoid the litter box afterward. Make sure that your cats don't get into the cayenne pepper, as this could cause your cat to sneeze and have allergy-like symptoms.

#5: Use commands with your dog. One of the simplest overall methods is to tell you dog "no!" if you see her eating out of the litter box. This may be all the diversion that some dogs need, and may work after a few times of catching her in the act.

Honestly, dogs who eat out of the litter box may have no reason to do so other than because of the taste. It's a very normal behavior, but can still cause problems in your household. Keep an eye on your dog and note her habits, and you'll be better prepared to curb the behaviors in the future.

Source: Earth Clinic: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/pets_who_eat_poop.html