eating cat fecies

Question
I have a 3yr old toy rat terrier.  Within the last 4 months we have acquired a cat.  I'm finding my terrier eating the cat poop. Is this a "natural" thing.  I find it disgusting and it is to the point that it is happenint all the time.  What can I do?

Answer
Mickie -

It is somewhat natural for a dog to eat cat feces.  Most dogs find cat "poop" quite tasty.  However, eating cat feces can cause many GI problems especially if cat litter is ingested when the poop is eaten.  It is best to keep your dog away from the cat litter box by using a baby gate or some other barrier.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM