KEEP YOUR SMALL DOG OUT THE LITTERBOX

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 11 January 2026

Why This Matters

If you’re searching for how to keep a small dog out of the litter box, you’re not alone. Many pet parents struggle with dog eating cat litter or trying to stop a dog from eating cat poop, and it’s more than just a gross habit.

Beyond the “yuck” factor, many owners wonder: is cat litter toxic to dogs? or is cat poop dangerous for dogs? The short answer is yes, it can be.

Cat feces may contain parasites and bacteria, and ingesting litter can cause digestive issues or blockages. This makes dog cat litter safety an important issue in multi-pet homes.

The good news? There are proven, realistic ways to fix this, without punishing your dog. Most solutions come down to access, setup, and consistency.

WHY DO DOGS LIKE CAT POOP?

Your doggo seems to absolutely love his newfound snacks, so you ask yourself, “Why the barking heck does my dog love chowing on my cat’s poop so much?” To learn why, we’ve covered this topic in a previous article.

For the Spark Notes version, dogs have no idea that what they’re eating are the remains of their feline friend! All he knows is that it smells “a-meow-zing” that he can’t resist taking a big munch of it all. Despite dogs being natural scavengers, this not-so-cute habit may be the result of a nutrient deficiency.

Cats' remains can contain unprocessed nutrients like protein, and to your dog’s determined nose, that smell signals a tasty potential treat.

The danger in your doggo consuming these “tasty” treats is that they may contain parasites and disease organisms that present significant health risks. Read about toxoplasmosis here. 

For the sake of your dog’s health, it’s extremely important that you take the necessary precautions to keep your dog out of the litterbox.

Let’s run through a few things that you can do to keep your small dog out of the litterbox.

 QUICK COMPARISON TO HELP YOU DECIDE

If you’re trying to figure out how to keep a dog out of litter box areas, here’s a simple breakdown:

• Training: effective long-term, slow results

• Dog proof cat boxes: reliable if your cat accepts them

• Litter box furniture: hides the box and blocks access

• Self-cleaning litter box: reduces temptation but doesn’t block access

• Door-based solutions: consistent and low effort

7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG OUT OF THE LITTER BOX

Best for:

– Puppies  

– Dogs that already respond to commands

Not ideal if:

– Your dog ignores cues when unsupervised

– You need a fast fix

2. Elevate The Litter Box

So your little buddy has created a habit of rummaging around the litter box, and you don’t have the time to focus on training right now. What do you do?

Get creative by elevating the litter box off the floor. The key is placing it high enough that your dog can’t reach it, while still keeping it comfortable and accessible for your cat.

For example, a cat climbing post with space for a litter tray can work well. This setup lets your cat access their litter box easily, without your little doggo being able to sneak in.

Best for:  

– Agile cats  

– Very small dogs

Not ideal if:

– Senior or arthritic cats

– Dogs that can climb furniture

4. Clean Up ASAP

This tip works best as a short-term fix, not a long-term solution. Think of it as a temporary strategy while you set up something more reliable.

If you’re home when your kitty has their “me time,” clean the litter box as soon as possible. The less time waste is left sitting out, the less opportunity your dog has to sneak a snack.

That said, this approach isn’t always realistic. It’s hard to be around every single time your cat uses the litter box. Who’s got time for that, right?

Best for:

– Short-term management  

– Work-from-home households

Not ideal if:

– You’re away most of the day

– You want a hands-off fix

 Try:

• Visiting the local dog park

• Playing fetch in the yard

• Taking your dog for a swim

• Going on regular evening walks

When your dog has a healthy outlet for their energy, they’re more relaxed at home and far less likely to go looking for trouble.

Best for:  

– High-energy dogs  

– Boredom-driven behavior

Not ideal if:

– The habit happens overnight

– Your dog is already well-exercised

6. Keep Your Dog Well-Nourished

You might be surprised how similar our doggos are to us. When we don’t eat well, we crave snacks, reach for junk food, and never quite feel satisfied.

The same goes for dogs. When they aren’t getting the nutrients they need, they may start scavenging, eating anything that smells like food, including your cat’s poop.

That’s why keeping your dog on a balanced, high-quality diet is so important. A well-nourished dog is less likely to crave extra “snacks” and go searching in the litter box. Instead, they’re getting the nutrients they need to feel full, satisfied, and healthy.

Best for:

– Food-motivated dogs  

– Dogs on low-quality diets

Not ideal if:

– The behavior is purely habit-based

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SYMPTOMS IF YOUR DOG HAS EATEN CAT POOP MAY INCLUDE

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

If symptoms persist, contact your vet.

CONCLUSION: KEEP YOUR SMALL DOG OUT THE LITTERBOX

Keeping your small dog out of the litter box isn’t about finding a single “perfect” fix, it’s about choosing the solution that works best for your pets, your home, and your routine.

If your dog is still learning, training paired with smart management can go a long way. If commands aren’t sticking, physical barriers and access control tend to work faster and more consistently. And if your cat is older or less agile, cat-friendly setups should always come first.

Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up. This is a common issue in multi-pet homes, and solving it is less about discipline and more about environment. With the right setup in place, your dog stays healthier, your cat keeps their safe space, and you get a little more peace of mind, no more litter box patrol required.