Most of us, probably. But when bringing your new furry child home, remember to practice good hygiene.
US health officials claim that puppies purchased from Petland, a large chain of pet stores, have been linked to bacterial infections that have sickened 39 people across seven US states.
And while animal lovers prefer to adopt over shop, one should still exercise caution because dogs can easily spread bacteria.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, campylobacter infections were reported in Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin between September 2016 and August 2017. Nine people have been hospitalised. No deaths have been reported.
Mali, the Gambia, Kenya, and Mozambique on the African continent are the countries where outbreaks are most prevalent. In South Africa, there is a 47. Campylobacter infections are common in children under five who have acute watery diarrhea, at a rate of 4%.
According to a CDC news release, “Evidence suggests that puppies sold through Petland are a likely source of this outbreak.” To combat this outbreak, Petland is collaborating with public health and animal health officials. “.
According to Dr. Sophia Jan, director of general pediatrics at Cohen Childrens Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days of exposure.
Without treatment, the illness typically lasts a week, according to Jan. Campylobacter infections, however, can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems, she added.
Jan observed that the majority of human cases result from consuming raw or undercooked chicken or from consuming foods that have been contaminated by infected poultry products.
However, she continued, humans can contract an infection by coming in contact with an infected puppy’s stool.
Petland employees in four states made up 12 of the sickened in this outbreak. According to the CDC report, the remaining 27 had either purchased a puppy from Petland, visited someone who had, or they had shopped at Petland.
It’s important to take precautions when around dogs because infected dogs may or may not exhibit symptoms of illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever, according to the CDC.
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#1: Dog poop is a pollutant
Because of the nutrients and pathogens that leach into soil and water and have an adverse effect on wildlife, plant growth, and human health, the Environmental Protection Agency classifies dog poop as a pollutant and places it in the same category as oil spills, herbicides, insecticides, and salt from irrigation practices. Dog waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which cause excessive weed and algae growth. This can suffocate aquatic life and render water unfit for swimming or boating. The disease-causing worms, bacteria, and viruses that thrive in waste also cause excessive plant growth and can harm you or your family by washing into water supplies.
Additionally, dog waste that is left on the ground has an impact on the environment. According to the U. S. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pet waste that isn’t picked up by storm-water runoff can end up in storm drains or other nearby bodies of water. This waste decomposes and releases nutrients when it enters water bodies, which stimulates the growth of algae and weeds. Due to this, the water is murky, green, odorous, and sometimes even unfit for swimming, boating, or fishing.
I can vouch for the abundance of feces on the North Shore. I have started publicly shaming the offenders in my neighborhood (you know who you are!) because everyone who moves here immediately gets a dog, then half of them go on to let them run off-leash inappropriately and leave their waste everywhere.
Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and some E. Similar signs and symptoms of coli infections include nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. According to the Canadian Public Health Association, these infections can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems.
Galanis emphasizes the value of washing hands after handling dogs or picking up their waste. “It’s a civic measure but also a public-health issue. ” Follow Gail Johnson on Twitter.
She advises pet owners to regularly take their animals to the vet for deworming treatments. “We also advise cleaning up feces to prevent it from being left in the environment for other animals to unintentionally consume or for us to become ill from.” In the worst-case scenario, worms can spread from our intestines to various parts of our body, including the eye or organs like the brain or liver. Worms may not produce any symptoms in the beginning. It’s very, very rare, but it’s hard to treat. ”.
Another bacterial illness that can result in intestinal infections in people is yersiniosis. Yersinia, unlike many other bacteria, can multiply in cold water and may be present in greater amounts in ponds, puddles, and lakes as they thaw in the spring.
Campylobacteriosis symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. Campylobacter usually causes a one-week illness, but in those with weakened immune systems, it can spread to the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal infection.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia microscopic parasites found in water. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, also known as “beaver fever,” are intestinal diseases that they can spread.
The gastroenteritis caused by a cyclospora infection typically waxes and wanes for more than a week in the body.
The most typical bacterial infection contracted by humans from other animals is salmonellosis. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
FAQ
What illnesses can you get from dog poop?
Several different types of microorganisms that could be harmful to humans can be found in dog feces. Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, and E. coli are among the bacteria that are pathogens for the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea. coli [1,2,3,4].
How long can you get sick from dog feces?
Campylobacter is a bacterium that causes illness that typically lasts one week, but in people with weakened immune systems, it can spread to the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal infection. E. The intestines of many animals are home to coli and other fecal coliforms.
Can breathing in dog poop make you sick?
Pet waste can release ammonia into the atmosphere in cases where odors are bad. Ammonia can have unpleasant effects on people and can also make them sick.
What happens if you don’t clean up dog poop?
The high nitrogen content of pet waste can burn your green grass, leaving brown dead spots, if you don’t pick it up right away. It can take a year for pet waste to naturally decompose. Additionally, do you really want your kids playing in a yard that has been fertilized by dog poop?