My Pet World: Curbing your dog's attraction to cat poop may take some creativity

Merrick Pet Foods recently conducted a contest via Facebook, asking readers to ask me: "Why does my dog...?" The first 20 responders received a copy of "Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY, 2014; $27). The book was written by members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and co-edited by myself, and veterinary behaviorists Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi.

Here are some of those questions, just the sort of queries we answered in "Decoding Your Dog."

Q. Why does my dog eat cat poop? -- N.J., via cyberspace

A: There are three reasons:

1. It tastes good.

2. Because they can.

3. It tastes good.

For dogs, there's simply no better condiment. Cat poop is rich in protein. Also, consider canine sensibilities; delicacies may even include their own stool.

The problem with eating cat droppings is that -- aside from being gross to us -- it can throw off a dog's housetraining, there's a potential for parasite transmission, and there are lots of calories in cat poop.

Another issue is that some cats are offended when smelly canines investigate and invade their meticulously cared for litter boxes, potentially causing some cats to avoid their boxes and have accidents.

There are all sorts of ways to curb this habit. Sometimes, it's merely a matter of litter box positioning, angling the box such that cats can hop right in, but dogs can't stick their noses in. But most dogs aren't so easily deterred.

There are baby gates on the market with a door big enough for a cat to enter but too small for a mid-sized or larger dog. Or you could buy a standard baby gate and cut a hole through it. Be aware, though, that persistent dogs will knock over gates.

As an alternative, install a doggy door which electronically opens when a cat approaches wearing a "magic collar." Check out www.cathole.com or www.petdoors.com.

You could also control how far the doors open to the room with the litter box by using a Peek-a-Boo latch: http://www.woofwoofcastle.com/.

If you're a softie and think your pup misses eating those cat turds, check out dog treats shaped like cat poop at www.catlogsfordogs.com.

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Q: Why does my dog roll around in cat feces when she finds it in our backyard? -- C.R., via cyberspace

A: For the same reason we dab perfume or cologne on ourselves. Many dogs find this as repugnant as we find their habit of rolling in cat or deer droppings, dead fish, or the carcasses of dead critters in the woods. I suppose you can chalk this up to a cultural difference.

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Q: Why does my dog snatch dog treats out of my hand and run off with them? It's like he'd rather eat them in private. -- C.C., Cyberspace

A: If your dog runs off and chomps on the treats in private, neither you nor another dog can take them away. Dogs are hard-wired to eat as their ancestors did in secluded spots where other animals can't snatch their food away.

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Q: Why does my dog always walk up to me and poke me in the eye with her nose? -- K.M., via cyberspace

A: Are you a dog? I'm sure you've watched dogs greeting one another, extending their noses first. The habit isn't too different, I suppose, from people who greet each other with a hug or handshake.

But why is your dog saying "hi" to your eye? Perhaps she did this once and you laughed, reinforcing the behavior. If this bothers you, you could simply not allow it, for example, by looking the other way when you dog goes to poke you in the eye.

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Q: Why does my dog cock his head when I talk to him? -- S.B., via cyberspace

A: No one really knows, but one thought is that we train dogs to do this. They cock their heads just a tad as puppies, and our tone of voice changes instantly because the behavior is so darn cute. That tone is rewarding, and over time we train them, bit by bit, to cock their heads in a more noticeable way, like the famous RCA pooch.

Since that head cock has been charming humans for centuries, perhaps the behavior is now hard-wired into many dogs, which is my belief.

Another possibility: Dogs are trying hard to figure out what the heck we're saying to them, and in the process, cock their heads. Interestingly, this theory is supported by my wife's similar confused response when I talk!

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Q: Why does my dog drag her bottom on the carpet? -- L.P., Cyberspace

A: Impacted anal sacs are the most likely cause. Veterinarians have told me they suspect this problem feels like walking around with a bag of marbles stuck up your rear. No wonder they rub. See your veterinarian.

If your pup is obese or overweight, she may be having trouble reaching back there to clean. I'll say no more, except that I suggest you clean your carpet.

There are other possibilities, depending on what that dragging motion looks like, which is another reason to see your vet.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.