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Why didn't they tell us that dog poop can carry bacteria and parasites?! While it may seem like a small and insignificant issue, the truth is that dog poop can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and animals. The longer it sits, the higher the possibility of transmission.
Here's a look at some of the types of harmful bacteria and parasites that can be found in dog poop and what they can cause:
Salmonella
This bacterium can cause food poisoning in humans and animals. It is often found in raw or undercooked meats, but can also be transmitted through dog poop.
Salmonella can cause an infection called salmonellosis. This infection can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
In some cases, the infection can be severe and may even be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions. Salmonella can also spread from person to person, so outbreaks of the infection can occur.
E. coli
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans. It is often found in contaminated water or food, but can also be transmitted through dog poop.
Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some types can cause illness, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and respiratory illness.
Some strains of E. coli can cause more severe symptoms, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can be life-threatening, especially in young children and older adults. E. coli infections can be spread through contaminated food, water, contact with an infected person, and yes, even dog poop.
Giardia
Giardia is a parasite that can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain in humans and animals. It is often found in contaminated water, but can also be transmitted through dog poop.
Roundworms
Roundworms are a type of parasitic worm that can infect humans and animals. They can be transmitted through dog poop, and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
In humans, roundworms can cause an infection called ascariasis. In severe cases, roundworms can cause blockages in the intestine or other organs, which can be life-threatening.
Roundworms can also cause malnutrition and anemia. They can be spread through contaminated soil, food, or water, or by coming into contact with an infected person or animal (including their poop).
Hookworms
Hookworms are another type of parasitic worm that can infect humans and animals. They can also be transmitted through dog poop and can cause symptoms such as anemia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, hookworms can cause weight loss and weakness. Hookworms are commonly found in areas with poor sanitation, and they can be spread through contaminated soil or through contact with an infected person or animal.
It's important to regularly clean up after your dog and properly dispose of their poop to help prevent the spread of these harmful bacteria and parasites.
If you're not comfortable handling dog poop, you can always hire a professional pooper scooper to take care of it for you! We charge low monthly prices and provide high-quality service. If you're curious about what to look for in a poop scooping service, you can check out this blog post!