Health Concerns

There are several very common diseases that can be transmitted to dogs and people through poop. Your dog can contract parvovirus or coronavirus through infected feces. Also, roundworms, hookworms, salmonella,giardia and Ecoli are very common. All of these diseases are very serious. We strongly believe that every effort should be made by pet owners/or a service such as ourselves to keep pets and family away from potentially infected feces.

Here is a little bit of helpful information on the common diseases transmitted to dogs through poop:

Parvo Virus is one of the deadliest diseases for dogs. It gains entry through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death. Parvo also temporarily affects a dog’s immune system and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs.

Whipworms are blood suckers, tunneling into the wall of the intestine for their blood meals. Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Difficult to diagnose, they are even harder to eliminate because they are often present in very large numbers. Whipworms can also cause anemia.

Hookworms are blood suckers attaching to the intestinal wall where they suck plugs of the intestinal tissue into their mouth structures. Anemia and/or intense inflammation can result. Hookworm infections can be passed to humans. Children run the greatest risk of infection because they roll around and play in the yard and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. Anyone walking barefoot is a target for this problem because of contaminated soil or infected feces.

Roundworms (acaroids) can affect the lungs and digestive system, with typical signs being vomiting and diarrhea. Convulsions can occur with heavy infections and the disease can spread to humans.

Giardia are one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs. Infection with Giardia is often difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.

Coronavirus (Corona) is a viral intestinal infection in dogs which is usually of short duration. Infected dogs usually shed the virus in their feces for one to two weeks, sometimes longer. The virus is then ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with the infected dog. Diarrhea is typically sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite.

THE BEST THING TO DO...

The best way of preventing diseases and infections that dogs and humans can acquire from stools, is to clean your yard of dog feces on a regular basis and keep current on your dog’s vaccinations. PLEASE DO NOT MOW YOUR DOG POOP UP AS IT WILL ONLY SPREAD DISEASE AROUND!!

Most of this information is from Dr.s Foster and Smith at www.peteducation.com.