Dog poop can be dangerous, especially if you don’t scoop it up regularly. Dog waste harbors several types of parasitic worms and bacteria, some of which can lead to serious illnesses or diseases if you or your family come into contact with them through direct contact with dog poop or contaminated soil.
The first step in keeping yourself and your family safe from these diseases is to scoop the poop regularly! In this article, the Department of Doody teaches you more about how this common activity can actually benefit your pup and yourself.
What Is Fecal Matter?
Fecal matter is the solid or semisolid remains of food that were not digested in the small intestine and have been eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus. Fecal matter consists of undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells.
What Diseases Can You Get from Dog Poop?
There are a number of diseases that can be contracted from dog feces, including Salmonella, E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms in humans, ranging from mild to severe.
In some cases, these diseases can even be fatal. In addition to bacteria, dog poop can also contain parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, which can also cause disease in humans.
1. Salmonella
This bacterium can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Salmonella can be transmitted to humans through animal feces that have not been properly cleaned up. Dogs and cats are the most common sources of salmonella.
It is important to always wash your hands after petting a dog or cat, so make sure you do not touch your face without washing your hands first.
2. E. coli
This disease is caused by bacteria found in the feces of infected animals, and it can be deadly if not treated quickly. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
3. Giardia
This is a parasite that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other symptoms. Some people can have symptoms for up to three weeks. Giardia can be passed on to humans through contact with infected dog poop or food contaminated by fecal matter.
The illness can be prevented by washing your hands after touching dog poop and before eating or drinking anything.
4. Parasitic Worms
You can also contract roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms from dog poop. The most common is roundworm, which can be contracted by ingesting eggs found in contaminated soil or food. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Hookworms can be contracted through the skin by walking barefoot on contaminated soil while tapeworms are transferred when you consume food infected with tapeworm eggs.
5. Cryptosporidium
Also known as crypto, this parasite is found in the feces of infected animals, including dogs. It can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss in people and is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
While crypto can be treated with antibiotics, it is often hard to diagnose because it can take weeks or even months for symptoms to appear.
The Importance of Regular Scooping
Failing to scoop your dog’s poop regularly can put you and your family at risk for many diseases. These diseases can be contracted through contact with the feces, either through coming into direct contact with it or, in some cases, by inhaling the bacteria present in it.
Fortunately, preventing these diseases is easy. All you need to do is scoop your dog’s poop every time they defecate in a public area or elsewhere. Make sure that when you’re picking up their feces, you’re also picking up any other matter on the ground as well.
By following this simple routine of routinely scooping your dog’s poop, you will not only keep yourself safe from harmful diseases but also give back to your community by keeping it clean!
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of diseases that can be contracted from contact with dog feces. Each of these diseases can cause severe symptoms and can even be deadly in some cases. That’s why it’s so important to scoop your dog’s poop regularly!
At the Department of Doody, we care about both pets and humans alike. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time with their pet without any worries or fears about getting sick from touching or stepping on something unsavory.
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about professional pet waste removal services and give you helpful tips on how to go about keeping your pup happy and healthy. Contact us today for more information.