can a dog get sick from eating cat feces

If your dog is eating out of a used litter box, there are other side effects that are cause for concern, among them parasites. Toxoplasmosis can be found in cat feces as well as raw meat and unwashed fruits and veggies.

How is sickness from cat poop similar in dogs and humans?

Cat poop can actually make people pretty sick too. There are certain parallels between the diseases that humans contract from the excrement of felines and the diseases that dogs get.

Toxoplasmosis, particularly in puppies and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as children and expectant mothers
From a cat’s bottom, worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can spread to other domesticated mammals.

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Though it may sound repulsive, dogs eat cat poop because it is a natural behavior for them to do so. You may have wondered this when you were out in the yard with your dog. When it comes down to it, dogs prefer to eat strongly scented foods, such as cat poop or, better yet, cat food.

How do I know if my dog is sick from eating cat poop?

Should your dog occasionally nibble on a piece of feline fudge, it could be prudent to watch out for typical indications of a bacterial or parasitic infection.

Bacterial infections like toxoplasmosis will make your dog super sick. These infections frequently result in weakness and an appetite loss. They may vomit or have diarrhea to the point of dehydration! Parasites create much of the same symptoms.

These diseases can result from consuming leftover cat food from a cat that is harboring microorganisms. The cat in question may sure no signs of sickness.

Your veterinarian may draw samples of your dog’s blood, feces, or even spinal fluid to determine the cause of the digestive issues. Pregnant women and young puppies are most vulnerable to these infections.

See our guide on the subject to learn much more about canine toxoplasmosis.

FAQ

What should I do if my dog ate cat poop?

If your dog eats cat poop, don’t panic. They’ll likely be okay. If you know your cat has worms or is on medication, then you may want to call your vet. If not, you may be able to simply monitor them for any abnormal symptoms over the next 24 hours.

What can dogs catch from cat poop?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled organism, Toxoplasma gondii, capable of infecting both dog and owner alike. The infection is spread either through the feces of infected cats (as sporozoites) or undercooked meat (as tissue cysts).

Do dogs get worms from eating cat poop?

Dogs and cats infected with these worms contaminate an area by passing worm eggs or larvae in their feces (poop). A dog or cat can be infected when they swallow dirt with dog or cat feces that has worm eggs or larvae.

Do dogs get parvo from eating cat feces?

NO! Cats and dogs have their own separate, species-specific parvovirus strains. The cat strain, called feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community, but it cannot be transferred to canines.