TL;DR: While eating cat poop is common and usually not an emergency, you should monitor your dog for digestive upset or signs of parasites. Most dogs will be fine, but symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea require veterinary attention.
What is coprophagia and why does my dog eat cat poop?
Eating feces, a behavior medically known as coprophagia, is a common occurrence in the canine world. Dogs are often drawn to cat waste because cat food is high in protein and fat, which can make the resulting stool smell and taste appealing to a scavenger-minded dog.
Is it an emergency if my dog eats cat poop?
- The urgency level for a dog eating cat poop is typically low, as most dogs will not experience any immediate ill effects.
- There is a small risk of contracting intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms, or bacterial infections such as Salmonella.
- Monitor your dog for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of appetite over the next few days.
How can taking a photo help my veterinarian triage the situation?
- Taking a clear photo is incredibly helpful if your dog shows signs of illness or if you notice unusual elements like blood or mucus in the waste.
- A photo allows a professional to identify the presence of visible parasites or assess the consistency of the stool.
- Visual evidence helps the veterinarian determine if an in-person exam is necessary for your dog.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
When a dog ingests cat feces, parasitic infection is a primary concern. Feces should be examined for parasites, especially hookworms and Giardia in dogs, and Tritrichomonas and Giardia in cats. Giardia can be detected using serial zinc sulfate fecal flotations or a commercially available ELISA; the latter is easier to perform and its sensitivity is better than fecal flotation performed by inexperienced personnel. While less common, other potential pathogens include Salmonella, Campylobacter (speciation via PCR to distinguish pathogenic C jejuni from commensal C upsaliensis), and pathogenic Escherichia coli (identified using molecular techniques).
Chapter: Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, Parasitology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 403)