Observing a dog eating a cat's feces can be shocking to pet owners. However, this practice is not unusual and may be linked to several behavioral and physiological factors.
First of all, it must be said that theingestion of cat droppings may be a behavior related to dominance. Dogs are pack animals and can show dominance behaviors towards other animals in their environment, including cats. By eating a cat's feces, a dog may be showing dominance over the other animal.
This behavior may be related to excitement. Some dogs can be very excited by smells and sounds made by cats, and may start chasing or biting them. Ingesting their feces may then become an extension of this excited behavior.
The physiological causes of ingestion of cat droppings by dogs?
On the other hand, theingestion of cat droppings can also be caused by health problems. Dogs may eat feces due to a lack of nutrients in their diet, or to compensate for a need for minerals or vitamins. Health problems such as digestive enzyme deficiency can also lead to this practice.
It is also possible that ingesting cat poop is linked to eating behavior problems. Dogs may eat feces due to disorders such as hyperphagia or Pica disease, which can cause them to eat inedible foods.
Symptoms of Hyperphagia or Pica disease?
L'Hyperphagia is related to bulimia. Your dog seems obsessed with food, he eats everything he finds even after he has eaten his meal. It can be due to stress, anxiety, hyperactivity.
There Pica disease is an abnormal eating behavior. Your dog eats non-nutritive substances like stones, fabric, paper, wood, or anything else he finds in his path.
How to deal with this unwanted practice
When your dog eats cat feces, first of all you should consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of this behavior. If a health problem is identified, the veterinarian can recommend appropriate treatments to resolve this problem.
To conclude, if your veterinarian has ruled out health causes, so this behavior is related to dominance or excitement, training methods can be used to teach the dog more appropriate behaviors. You will need to be patient and persistent in working with your dog to resolve this behavior and ensure proper cohabitation of your dog with your cat.
Florence Luberton, a passionate pet lover and pet owner. Florence has dedicated her life to educating pet owners on the best ways to care for their furry companions. From training, nutrition, to grooming and behavior, she has a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share with pet owners to help them better understand their animals.
