Here are the best dog proof litter box we’ll be covering:
- Modkat XL Litter Box
- Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Petmate Top Entry Litter Box
- PetSafe Self Cleaning Hooded Litter Box
Other possible solutions for building a dog proof cat box:
- Door Buddy Door Latch Plus Door Stopper
- TheDoorLatch Adjustable Door Latch
- The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door
- Solution for household with small dogs: SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
If you have both a cat and a dog, you might find that your dog likes to get into the litter box and eat cat poop. This can create many problems for you and for your nosy pup. Dogs can make a big mess by tracking litter all over the house. They also can become ill from bacteria and parasites in cat’s waste and from eating litter.
Fortunately, there are several different ways that you can keep your dog out of the litter box. Getting the right style litter box, putting it in a location that your dog can’t get to, cleaning the litter box often, and keeping your dog occupied are a few good ideas. This article will help you find the best dog proof litter box for your needs.
Our recommendation for the best dog proof litter box
There are many different litter boxes on the market, so choosing the best dog proof litter box can be a challenge. To get you started, we will explain some features to look for. First of all, you can try to find a litter box with a small opening that your dog won’t be able to fit through. In order to do this, you will need to look for enclosed boxes that have covers and small openings.
A litter box with the opening on the top is your best bet for keeping dogs out. Top entry boxes require a cat to jump into them from above and jump out when they are finished. This design feature serves multiple purposes. It helps prevent your cat from tracking litter out of the box and also keeps other pets from entering the litter box.
Door flaps can also help keep dogs out of litter boxes by making it harder for them to get through. Door flaps also give your cat more privacy and keep the litter box odors and dust out of your home.
The best solution, however, is to keep the litter box in an area or room that is not accessible to your dog. Door straps or a pet gate can be used to keep dogs out of certain rooms in your home.
Modkat XL Litter Box
ModKat XL Litter Box offers a top or front entry configurable design, which makes it one of the most versatile litter boxes available. The dimensions are 17.32 by 21.26 x 16.54 inches. Its extra-large size makes it ideal for large cats and multi-cat households.
The top-entry configuration keeps your cats from tracking litter around the house and keeps dogs out of the litter box. The front-entry configuration is a good alternative for kittens and senior cats, although the large entryway might not be as effective at preventing dogs from entering. The lid can be used as a walk-off mat when using the front-entry configuration.
The litter box comes with a walk-off platform that locks the liner in place, a scoop, and liners. The reusable liner is made from durable material that is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and lasts up to three months. Hooks at the corners keep it in place. The lid can be swiveled up for easy scooping or removed entirely for thorough cleaning.
Pros: Versatile configuration, the lid can be used as a mat, includes scoop and reusable liner, top entry keeps dogs out, high walls prevent mess
Cons: Expensive, lid might not stay in place
Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box is a round-shaped litter box with a large top entryway. Cats like the rounded shape, and the large size of the box accommodates most cats. It measures 20.75 by 16.13 by 14.63 inches. It comes in three colors, black/gray, dark gray/white, and white/almond, so you can choose the one that matches your décor.
This litter box offers a large top entryway to make it easy for your cat to enter and exit while keeping dogs out. The entryway is 9 by 10.5 inches. It is made from BPA-free material, produced by a Japanese company, and made in the USA. Its sleek design makes it less of an eyesore than many other options.
The litter box comes with a cat litter scoop for easy cleaning and a grooved lid that helps remove litter from your cat’s paws and they leave the box. The litter scoop hooks easily around the lid. If you are looking for a way to keep dogs out and litter in, this litter box is a great choice.
Pros: Stylish design, easy for cats to use, the grooved cover keeps litter inside, keeps most dogs out, easy to clean, good height
Cons: Too small for very large cats, large dogs might break through
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box is a standard size enclosed litter box. Its high walls help to keep messes inside the box and provide your cats with privacy. It is made from a blend of durable, pre-consumer recycled plastic materials and made in the USA. It measures 20.29 by 15.07 by 15.2 inches.
The wide, top-entry design accommodates cats of most sizes but keeps dogs out. It also keeps the litter from spilling onto the floor when your cat digs. It is roomy enough for cats of most sizes. The top has a grated surface to remove litter from cats’ paws as they exit the box.
The litter box comes with a built-in hook for hanging the litter scoop. Rounded edges and built-in handles make it easy to lift and pour from. It is compatible with Petmate top entry litter liners for easy cleaning. The liners don’t come with the box but can be purchased separately.
Pros: Top-entry keeps litter in and dogs out, grated surface, convenient size, high walls, easy to clean, made from recycled materials in the USA
Cons: Too small for some cats, large dogs might break through
PetSafe Self Cleaning Hooded Litter Box
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self Cleaning Hooded Litter Box is one of a new generation of litter boxes designed to automatically remove waste. It requires no scooping or refilling, and each tray can last for weeks depending on how many cats are using it. It uses crystal litter trays that remove odors by absorbing urine and dehydrate solid waste.
This litter box measures 24.4 by 11.7 by 28 inches. It comes with a top-entry hooded cover to help keep the liter inside the box and dogs out. The low-tracking, dust-free crystals won’t stick to your cat’s paws. The disposable trays have a plastic lining to prevent leaks and keep floors clean. It comes in three colors: gray, purple, and taupe.
Because it automatically scoops waste, it keeps dogs from eating cat poop even without the lid. To clean it, you simply remove the tray, cover it with the included lid, and throw it away. A counter keeps track of how many times it has been used so you will know when it is time to replace the tray.
Pros: No scooping, controls odors, low tracking, top-entry for privacy and to keep dogs out, health counter tracks usage
Cons: Tray refills are expensive
Other possible solutions: Building a dog proof litter box is another way to keep dogs from eating your cat’s poop. These are a few products that can help you keep dogs away from litter boxes while allowing easy access to your cats.
Door Buddy Door Latch Plus Door Stopper
The Door Buddy Door Latch Plus Door Stopper is a door strap designed to keep dogs out of your cat’s litter box area. It comes with a door stopper that prevents doors from closing. It is easy to use and installs in seconds. It allows the door to open enough for a cat to pass through, but is too narrow for most dogs.
TheDoorLatch Adjustable Door Latch
The DoorLatch Adjustable Door Latch is a cat door strap that holds the door open for cats while keeping dogs out. Made from stainless steel, it is durable, adjustable, and easy to install. It can be mounted anywhere on the door frame and is easy to use from either side of the door.
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door is a safe and cute alternative for keeping dogs out of a cat’s litter box area. The opening is smooth and wide enough for cats to pass through safely. It is 7.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches high and can work for cats up to 20 pounds. It is easy to install and made in the USA.
SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Solution for a household with small dogs: For households with small dogs that can get through small cat doors and door straps, the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap is a good solution. It is designed to read your cat’s ID microchip and to allow only your cat to go through the door. Programmable collar tags are available for cats who don’t have microchips.
Help, my dog eats cat poop
Eating cat poop can be dangerous for dogs, so you should try to prevent this from happening. If it is too late and your dog has already gotten into the litter box, you might be wondering if there is anything you should do. If the amount of cat poop consumed was small, your dog will probably be fine.
If you find your dog is eating cat poop, remove him from the litter box and then clean up the mess. Next, offer him some water to drink and flush out his mouth to the best of your ability. However, if your dog is vomiting or showing other signs of illness, you should call your veterinarian right away.
The danger of toxoplasmosis for your dog eating cat poop
Toxoplasma Gondii is a tiny parasite that many cats carry and transfer to other species through their poop. For healthy dogs, this should not cause any problems. However, it can cause problems for young puppies, immunocompromised dogs, or pregnant dogs.
Symptoms to watch out for are loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, weight loss, dehydration, abdominal pain, neurological problems, seizures, and stillbirth. Toxoplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Can dogs get sick from eating cat poop?
There are a few other parasites and illnesses that dogs can get from eating cat poop. Giardia is a parasite that is passed through poop and can cause diarrhea and weight loss. Giardia can survive for a long time in a dog’s body and can have detrimental effects on his health.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that cats can spread to dogs and humans. Salmonella also can survive for a long time, so even old feces might carry it. Salmonella causes diarrhea and can become very dangerous if it enters the bloodstream. It is the most contagious bacteria found in cat poop.
If your dog ingested some litter along with the cat poop, that can create problems too. Some litters contain chemicals that might make your dog sick. If he ate a large amount of litter, it is possible that a blockage could occur.
Gastric distention, a chronic case of blockage, can occur as a result of eating litter. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. Surgery may be required to remove litter that is causing a blockage.
Allergens are another potential problem. If your dog has food allergies, partially digested food in cat feces might trigger a reaction. While most of the time, dogs who eat cat poop will be fine, there are definitely risks involved. Therefore, it is better to prevent dogs from eating poop in the first place if at all possible.
