Why Does My Dog Eat Cat or Fox Poo? And What to Do If They Do
Updated: Nov 1
You look away for a second on a walk and your dog is gulping something down with great enthusiasm, or you catch them with their head in the litter tray, again. Eating cat or fox poo is one of the most common habits I'm asked about, and while it's absolutely revolting for us, it makes sense to a dog. It's usually manageable once you know why it happens, and chasing them round the field shouting only turns it into a game.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Dogs eat cat and fox poo because it smells and tastes like food to them. Cat food is very high in protein and fat, so cat poo is rich and tempting, and fox poo is strong-smelling and full of interesting scents. It's normal scavenging behaviour, not a sign of a bad dog. If your dog has eaten fox poo, there's usually no need to panic, but keep their worming up to date, watch for tummy upsets and call your vet if they seem unwell. To stop it, block access to the litter tray, keep your garden clear, and teach a strong "leave it" and recall.
Why do dogs eat cat poop?
Cats eat a diet that's very rich in meat, and they don't digest all of it. That leaves their poo full of protein and fat, with a smell many dogs find irresistible. A litter tray is also easy to reach, often in a quiet spot, and topped up every day, which makes it a very rewarding place for a dog to visit.
For some dogs it starts as curiosity and becomes a habit, simply because it has worked so many times. Puppies are especially likely to try it, as they explore the world with their mouths.
Why do dogs eat fox poo?
Fox poo has one of the strongest smells a dog will find on a walk. Foxes eat small animals, scraps, fruit and whatever else they come across, so their droppings are packed with scent. For a scavenger like a dog, that's fascinating, and some dogs eat it while others roll in it. Read why dogs roll in poo.
Foxes also tend to leave droppings in the same places, often on paths, grass verges and garden lawns, so your dog may find them on the same walk every day.
Is it normal for dogs to eat poo?
Yes. Eating poo has a name, coprophagia, and it's common across all breeds and ages. Dogs evolved as scavengers, and to them, droppings from another animal are just one more source of food.
Normal doesn't mean you have to live with it, though. And if an older dog suddenly starts eating poo when they never did before, it's worth a vet check. A change in appetite or a gut problem can sometimes be behind a new habit.
My dog ate fox poo: what should I do?
Most dogs who eat fox poo are absolutely fine. Take a breath before you do anything else, because a calm owner makes the next few minutes much easier. Here's what to do:
Don't panic or chase them: shouting or grabbing can make dogs gulp faster or run off with it
Clean their mouth: offer water, and wipe around the mouth if you can do it calmly
Watch for the next day or two: look out for vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy or not eating
Check their worming: fox poo can carry worm eggs and other parasites, so make sure your dog's worming is up to date and ask your vet which product suits where you live
Call your vet if your dog is unwell, if they're very young or old, or if you're worried
In some parts of the world fox poo can carry parasites that are more serious, such as lungworm larvae or a tapeworm called Echinococcus. Your vet will know which ones are a risk in your area and can advise on the right protection.
Can dogs get sick from eating cat or fox poo?
They can, although most don't. Droppings can carry roundworms, tapeworms, giardia and bacteria. Cat litter can also cause problems, especially clumping litter, which can swell in the gut if a dog eats a lot of it.
If your cat is on any medication, or your dog eats a large amount of litter, phone your vet for advice. They can tell you whether to watch at home or bring your dog in.
How to stop your dog eating cat or fox poo
Block access to the litter tray
This is the single biggest help if you have a cat. Put the tray somewhere your dog can't reach, like behind a baby gate with a cat flap, in a room with the door wedged so only the cat fits through, or use a top-entry tray. Scoop it often.
Keep the garden clear
Walk your garden every morning and pick up anything foxes or cats have left overnight. If your dog can't find it, they can't practise eating it.
Teach a strong "leave it"
Practise at home first, with a treat in your closed hand. When your dog backs off, reward them with a better treat from your other hand. Build it up slowly to treats on the floor, then to the garden, then to walks. Read what to do when your dog won't come back.
Use a long line where foxes go
If you know the spots on your walk where your dog always finds fox poo, use a long line there for a while. It stops the habit getting practised while your recall and "leave it" get stronger.
Make walks more interesting
Dogs who are busy sniffing for treats you've scattered, playing with you or following your lead are less likely to wander off scavenging. A few short games on every walk make a real difference.
Stay calm when it happens
A big reaction can turn poo into a game of chase, or teach your dog to eat it faster before you get there. Call them away cheerfully, reward them well when they come, and quietly make a note of where it happened.
RENEE'S TIP
Swap rather than snatch. Carry something your dog loves more than poo, like a squeezy tube of meat paste or a few pieces of cheese. When they find something, call them to you and give them the swap. Dogs learn quickly that coming away from a find pays off.
QUICK CHECK
ā Eating poo is normal scavenging behaviour
ā Cat poo is rich in protein and fat, and fox poo is full of scent
ā Keep worming up to date and call your vet if your dog is unwell
ā Block the litter tray and clear the garden every morning
ā Teach "leave it", use a long line and stay calm
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with scavenging and recall
If your dog's scavenging is taking over your walks, or their recall isn't strong enough to call them away, I can help you build a plan in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Why do dogs eat cat poop?
Cat poo is rich in protein and fat because cats eat a meat-heavy diet. To a dog it smells and tastes like food.
Why do dogs eat fox poo?
Fox poo has a very strong smell that dogs find fascinating. Dogs are natural scavengers, so some eat it and some roll in it.
What happens if my dog eats fox poo?
Usually nothing serious. Keep worming up to date, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and call your vet if your dog seems unwell.
Can eating cat poop make my dog sick?
It can pass on worms, giardia or bacteria, and eating clumping litter can cause a blockage. Most dogs are fine, but ask your vet if you're worried.
How do I stop my dog eating poop on walks?
Teach a strong "leave it" and recall, use a long line in problem spots, and keep your dog busy with games and sniffing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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