· 9 min read

Can Dogs Get Worms from Eating Cat Poop? What Pet Parents Need to Know

We’ve all been there: You turn your back for 30 seconds to grab a toy, and suddenly your dog is nose-deep in the cat’s litter box, tail wagging like they’ve found a five-star meal. Panic sets in. Is that even safe? Can dogs get worms from eating cat poop? If you’re a multi-pet household, this scenario is all too familiar. Let’s dive into the messy (but important!) details to keep your pup healthy and your litter box off the menu.

can dogs get worms from eating cat poop

Table of Contents

  1. Can Dogs Get Worms from Cat Poop? The Short Answer
  2. Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop, Anyway?
  3. The Risks: Worms and Beyond
    • Worms: The Biggest Threat
    • Other Health Hazards
  4. Potential “Benefits”—Myth vs. Reality
  5. How to Keep Your Dog (and Cat) Safe: Prevention Tips
  6. Healthier Alternatives to Deter Litter Box Snacking
  7. FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
  8. Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Stay Healthy

Can Dogs Get Worms from Cat Poop? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can absolutely get worms from eating cat poop. Cat feces often contain parasite eggs (like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms) that, when ingested by your dog, can hatch and thrive in their intestines. Even a single “snack” from the litter box puts your pup at risk. But don’t panic—with awareness and prevention, you can keep this behavior (and its consequences) in check.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop, Anyway?

Before we tackle the risks, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why do dogs find cat poop so irresistible? It’s not because they’re gross (okay, maybe a little), but there are actually a few reasons behind this behavior, known as “coprophagia”:

  • Instinct: Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean their waste, and some adult dogs retain this instinct to “clean up” around them.
  • Nutritional Gaps: If your dog’s diet is missing key nutrients (like fiber or protein), they might seek them out in unusual places—including cat poop. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their feces can contain undigested protein, which might smell appealing to a dog.
  • Boredom or Curiosity: Dogs explore the world with their mouths! A litter box is a new, smelly object—why not take a taste?
  • Attention-Seeking: If your dog gets a big reaction (yelling, chasing) when they raid the litter box, they might repeat the behavior for attention, even if it’s negative.

The Risks: Worms and Beyond

While the behavior itself is gross, the real danger lies in what cat poop contains. Let’s break down the biggest risks—starting with the one you’re here for: worms.

Worms: The Primary Concern

Cat feces are a common carrier of intestinal parasites, and many of these parasites can infect dogs. Here are the most likely culprits:

1. Roundworms (Toxocara cati)

Cats (even indoor-only ones!) can carry roundworms. Female roundworms lay thousands of eggs, which pass through the cat’s feces. These eggs aren’t immediately infective—they need 2–4 weeks in warm, moist soil to develop into larvae. But once they do, if your dog eats the poop (or even licks their paws after stepping in contaminated litter), the larvae can hatch in their intestines.

Symptoms in dogs: Vomiting, diarrhea, bloated belly, weight loss, lethargy, or visible worms in stool (they look like spaghetti!). In severe cases, roundworms can block the intestines or migrate to other organs.

2. Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Hookworms are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that live in a cat’s intestines. Their eggs are shed in feces and hatch into larvae in the environment. Dogs can get hookworms by eating infected cat poop, or even by walking on contaminated soil and licking their paws.

Symptoms in dogs: Anemia (pale gums, weakness), bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and itchy skin (from larvae burrowing into the paws).

3. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)

Tapeworms are a bit trickier: Cats get them by eating fleas that carry tapeworm larvae. When a cat poops, tapeworm segments (which look like small, white rice grains) pass into the litter box. If your dog eats these segments, they can become infected—but only if they also swallow a flea (the larvae need fleas to complete their lifecycle). Still, it’s a risk, especially if your home has fleas.

Other Health Risks

Worms aren’t the only concern. Cat poop can also harbor:

  • Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are all found in feces. These can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe illness in dogs (and even humans, via “zoonotic” transmission).
  • Viruses: While rare, cats with panleukopenia (a parvovirus-like disease) can shed the virus in feces. Dogs are less susceptible, but puppies or immunocompromised dogs may be at risk.
  • Litter Box Dangers: If your dog eats clumping litter along with the poop, the litter can expand in their stomach, causing blockages. Even non-clumping litter can lead to choking or intestinal irritation.

Potential “Benefits”—Myth vs. Reality

You might be thinking, “If dogs do this naturally, could there be any upside?” Let’s set the record straight: There are no health benefits to dogs eating cat poop.

Some people claim cat poop has “nutrients” or “fiber,” but that’s a myth. Cat feces is waste—it contains undigested food, bacteria, and toxins, not vitamins or minerals. If your dog is seeking out cat poop, it’s more likely a sign that something is missing (like fiber in their diet) or that they’re bored. In that case, the solution is to address the root cause (e.g., switching to a high-fiber dog food) not to let them “snack” on poop.

How to Keep Your Dog (and Cat) Safe

The good news? You can prevent your dog from eating cat poop with a few simple strategies. Here’s how:

1. Limit Access to the Litter Box

The easiest way to stop the behavior is to keep your dog away from the litter box entirely. Try these hacks:

  • Elevate the litter box: Place it on a high shelf, washing machine, or counter—most dogs can’t jump that high, but cats can.
  • Use a covered litter box with a small entrance: Look for boxes with a narrow, top-entry door (like the Modkat or PetSafe ScoopFree) that dogs can’t stick their heads into.
  • Baby gates or pet doors: Block the room with a baby gate (cats can jump over, dogs can’t), or install a cat-sized pet door to a closed-off area (like a bathroom or laundry room).

2. Scoop the Litter Box Daily

Many parasites (like roundworm eggs) take 2–4 weeks to become infective. By scooping daily, you remove fresh feces before the eggs can develop into larvae. This also keeps the litter box clean for your cat (happy cat = less likely to avoid the box!).

3. Keep Your Cat (and Dog) Dewormed

Even indoor cats can get worms (e.g., from fleas or contaminated soil on your shoes). Talk to your vet about a regular deworming schedule for both pets. Most vets recommend deworming adult cats and dogs every 3–6 months, and more frequently for puppies/kittens or outdoor pets.

4. Train the “Leave It” Command

Teach your dog to “leave it” when they show interest in the litter box. Start with treats: Hold a treat in your hand, say “leave it,” and wait until they look away. Reward with a different treat (so they learn ignoring the first item gets them something better). Practice with toys, then gradually introduce the litter box as a “leave it” target.

5. Address Underlying Causes

If your dog is obsessed with cat poop, ask your vet to rule out nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low fiber, protein, or vitamins). They may recommend switching to a high-quality dog food or adding supplements (like pumpkin for fiber). For bored dogs, increase exercise and mental stimulation with puzzle toys, walks, or training sessions.

Healthier Alternatives to Deter Litter Box Snacking

If your dog craves something “extra,” offer these safe, poop-free alternatives:

  • High-fiber treats: Carrots, green beans, or apple slices (without seeds) are low-calorie and full of fiber—great for dogs who seek roughage.
  • Puzzle toys: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter (no xylitol!) or freeze-dried chicken to keep them busy.
  • Dental chews: Chewing helps satisfy their urge to “eat” and keeps their teeth clean.
  • Cat-safe deterrents: Sprinkle citrus peels, coffee grounds, or a little bit of vinegar around the litter box (dogs hate these scents, but cats usually don’t mind).

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Q: My dog ate cat poop once—should I panic?

A: Probably not! One small bite is unlikely to cause serious harm, but monitor for symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy) for 24–48 hours. If you notice anything off, call your vet. For frequent snacking, follow the prevention tips above.

Q: Can indoor cats’ poop still have worms?

A: Yes! Indoor cats can get worms from fleas, contaminated soil (on your shoes), or even raw meat diets. Always deworm indoor cats regularly.

Q: How do I clean my dog’s mouth after they eat cat poop?

A: Wipe their mouth with a damp cloth, then offer them a bowl of water to rinse. Avoid using toothpaste (unless it’s dog-specific)—human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.

Q: Is cat poop more dangerous than dog poop for dogs?

A: Both can carry parasites, but cat poop is riskier because some cat-specific parasites (like Toxocara cati) are more likely to infect dogs than dog-specific ones (like Toxocara canis).

Conclusion: Prioritize Prevention and Vet Check-Ins

At the end of the day, dogs eating cat poop is gross—but it’s also preventable. By limiting access, keeping the litter box clean, and addressing underlying causes, you can keep your pup safe from worms and other risks. And remember: If you’re ever unsure, your vet is your best resource. They can help you create a deworming plan, recommend diet changes, or troubleshoot litter box access issues.

Your dog’s love for cat poop might be a mystery, but protecting them doesn’t have to be. With a little patience and proactive care, you can keep both your dog and cat happy, healthy, and (mostly) poop-free.

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