Can Dog Feces in the House Make People Sick?

Dog feces inside the house can definitely make people sick. Fecal matter should be removed as soon as possible and it should never be handled with bare skin. Always use a glove, bag or other protective barrier to remove the material, then clean the area with disinfectant. However, even these steps will not kill all bacteria or worm eggs.

Roundworms

Because humans are not the normal host for roundworms, these parasites can wreak devastating damage upon our organs. Once infective, eggs can take months to lose their viability, leaving infected yards a danger long after a pet has been treated to kill the roundworms.

Tapeworms

Humans can contract more than one form of tapeworm from dog feces. These worms form cysts in the human body that can severely damage organs and require surgical removal.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is caused by salmonella and is one of the most common bacterial infections passed from pets and humans. The diarrhea caused by the illness can be severe enough to require hospitalization and is often accompanied by fever. Children are most at risk, yet simple hand-washing is one of the best methods to prevent infection.

Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter bacteria can cause bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Most people recover without treatment and the bacteria is common, meaning a pet may not be recognized as the source of infection.

Odor

Fecal matter can produce a strong odor which may cause nausea, retching or vomiting in family members. Removal of the offending stool will usually alleviate these symptoms.

References

• Can Worms in Dogs Infect Humans?
• Campylobacter
• A Clean Yard is a Healthy Yard

Resources

• Roundworm Transmission From Dogs to Humans