Best Litter Box to Keep Dogs Out: Stop Your Dog Eating Litter
- Abi
- October 15, 2022
- 5:55 pm
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When it comes to cat litter many dogs like to have a sniff and some will even eat cat poop. Let’s look at the best litter box to keep dogs out!
Keeping cats and dogs in the same space poses a unique set of challenges, but none are quite as tricky as the litter box. Keeping your dog away from your cat’s bathroom area can be tough, which can lead to dangerous diseases and an unhygienic living space.
Fortunately, the right litter box can help to keep your home clean and your pets out of trouble. Read on to learn more about how to find the best litter box to keep dogs out and avoid messy situations in your home.
Why Should You Keep Dogs out of Cat Litter
When your dog invades your cat’s litter box, it can cause more than just a mess. Cat waste contains harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can make both you and your dog sick. Some common feline-borne illnesses include:
- Toxoplasmosis
- Salmonella
- Hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and other worms
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Giardiasis
How to Stop Your Dog Eating Cat Litter
The best way to stop your dog from eating cat litter is by placing the box somewhere accessible only to you and your cat. You can try setting it behind a doggie gate or using a chipped cat door that blocks unauthorized pets from the bathroom area.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to keep the litter box blocked off from your dog. In this case, the best way to stop your pooch from eating cat litter is by getting a dog-proof litter box. Certain types of litter boxes make it difficult for your dog to access the contents inside, helping you to avoid a potentially hazardous mess in your home.
Best Litter Box to Keep Dogs Out: Buyers Guide
If you have both cats and dogs in your home, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind when picking out a litter box.
Features
Some features you’ll see in the best litter box to keep dogs out include:
- A cover to trap tempting odors
- A door to block unauthorized pets from entering
- A strong, sturdy build that can withstand a curious dog
- An easy-to-clean design or self-cleaning features
Problems
There are some common problem areas to avoid when shopping for a dog-proof litter box, including:
- An open design that’s easy for dogs to access
- Toxic plastics and other hazardous materials
- Weak or flimsy sides a determined dog can break down
- Difficult access for mobility-impaired cats
Reasons you need a dog proof litter box
If you have both cats and dogs living in your home, there are plenty of reasons you’ll want to use a dog-proof litter box:
- You can’t separate your dog from your cat’s litter space
- Your dog shows an interest in your cat’s waste materials
- You have had problems with your dogs rummaging through cat litter in the past
- You have young, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals in your home who may be sensitive to feline-borne diseases
Types of Litter Box
You can find several different styles of litter boxes available at the pet store. Certain options are well-suited for keeping out curious dogs, boasting features such as latching covers and swinging doors.
Open Litter Box
The most common type of litter box is a classic, open-pan design. This type of litter box is designed for easy entry and quick cleanup. Unfortunately, its uncovered design also makes an open litter box easy to access for your dog.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Fits almost any space
- Easy to access for elderly or mobility-impaired cats
Cons:
- Won’t keep out curious dogs
- Doesn’t block odors
- Cats may get litter and waste outside the box
Covered Litter Box
Unlike open litter boxes, covered boxes have a hood that keeps the contents of the pan protected. Covered litter boxes can block both sights and smells from curious dogs, helping to make litter pans less tempting.
Pros:
- Blocks litter box odors
- Keeps waste enclosed and protected
- Offers bathroom privacy in a multi-pet household
Cons:
- Smaller dogs can still enter
- Bulkier and pricer than most open alternatives
- Elderly cats may have difficulty entering and exiting
Top-Entry Litter Box
Top-entry litter boxes are a popular choice for pet owners with persistent pups. A top-entry box has a single access point at the top of the box, making it a challenge for even smaller dogs to enter. While a top-entry box can help to deter dogs, keep in mind that it might not be the best choice for kittens, elderly cats, or those with mobility issues.
Pros:
- Blocks entry for dogs of all sizes
- Traps unwanted odors
- Offers privacy and security
Cons:
- Taller than other litter box options
- Difficult for some cats to enter and exit
- Tough to clean
Self-Cleaning Litter Box
If all else fails, you may want to invest in a self-cleaning litter box to deter your dog. Each time your cat uses the litter box, internal machinery automatically cleans away waste for a spotless pan. Your cat’s bathroom area won’t be nearly as interesting to nearby dogs, and they won’t be able to spread hazardous waste around as easily.
Pros:
- Stays clean automatically to deter curious dogs
- Eliminates odors
- Prevents waste tracking
Cons:
- Most expensive style of litter box
- Not many options are available
- Machinery may scare pets
Cleaning Tips
Keeping your cat’s litter box clean can help to make it less tempting for curious dogs attracted by the smell. Here are some handy tips on how to clean your cat’s litter box daily:
- Use clumping litter to make liquid wastes easier to scoop
- Try disposable pan liners for quick and easy litter changes
- Sprinkle an odor eliminator or some baking soda to reduce odors after use
- Scrub your litter pan between each clean
- Keep your dog outside when you clean the litter box to reduce interest
- Store litter waste somewhere inaccessible such as a lidded trash can
Conclusion
Without a safe and secure litter box, it can be easy for curious dogs to break in and cause a mess. The best litter box to keep dogs out is one that blocks smell and keeps waste covered.
If you’re looking for a dog-proof litter box, there are plenty of options available on the market today that can help you to keep the peace between the pets in your home.
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