It can be horrifying to find your dog eating feces out of the cat litter box. Once the shock and icky feelings have subsided, it is important to find out why your dog is doing it, as well as finding a solution. Since the behavior is common in well-nourished dogs, it is unlikely due to a nutritional deficiency. It may be a matter of taste. While it's not a good idea to allow this behavior (diseases and worms could be transmitted), training is not generally a reliable option due to the "tasty" treat the dog receives after sticking his nose into the litter box.

Believe it or not, it is normal for dogs to eat cat feces whenever and wherever they find it. If your dog has access to a litter box but does not indulge, then count yourself lucky! If your dog has access to a litter box, did not previously indulge but has recently begun eating cat feces, it is important to take note. Often, a significant change in behavior could indicate a medical problem. The other possibility is that your dog has never noticed the litter box before and thinks that he has stumbled into an unguarded box of cookies!

If you suspect a medical problem due to your dog eating cat feces in conjunction with other physical symptoms, see your veterinarian for assistance. All manner of medical problems can cause changes in eating behavior. If your dog's health is not in question, think about whether there has been a change in the household making the litter box easier to access. Has your dog improved his relationship with your cat? Does he feel less intimidated by the cat? Did you move the litter box to a new location more noticeable to the dog? These are questions to consider.

Whether there is a medical problem or not, you now need to place the litter box in a location that is physically impossible for the dog to access. It is important, however, to make sure your cat can still get in! Cats will often abandon the litter box if a dog begins sniffing for snacks. This can be inconvenient at the very least, if not as serious as the problem of your dog eating inappropriately.

There are a number of ways to arrange the litter box. Depending on the relative sizes of the dog and cat, as well as the agility of the cat, placing the litter box in a higher location may be the right option. If the dog is larger than the cat, putting the litter box in a closed location that only the cat can access can also solve the problem. A good way to do this is to find a spot where a baby gate or a kitty door can be installed to deter the dog from getting to the litter box. Ultimately, there are a variety of ways to set up the litter box. The most important thing to consider is the comfort and accessibility of your cat and the inaccessibility to your dog.

In the end, your dog invading the litter box is not your cat's idea of reasonable privacy, and eating cat feces is not particularly good for your dog. The behavior is innately rewarding since your dog probably likes the taste, which sabotages any attempts at training. The safest and best solution is to simply find a way to make physical access to the litter box an impossibility to your dog.