Diseases You Can Get From Dog Poop (and How to Avoid Them)
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Dog waste isn't just unpleasant — it's biologically active, and several of the organisms in it can infect people. Here are the diseases you can get from dog poop, based on public-health and veterinary sources, plus how to lower your risk.
Parasites
Roundworm (toxocariasis). Roundworm eggs pass in an infected dog's feces. If swallowed — often via contaminated hands — larvae can migrate through the body, and the CDC lists toxocariasis among its neglected parasitic infections. In some cases it affects the eyes or organs.
Hookworm (cutaneous larva migrans). Hookworm larvae in feces-contaminated soil can burrow directly through skin, causing itchy, winding tracks. The CDC notes it's more common in warm, sandy areas — and it's a major reason "pooper-scooper" rules exist at beaches and parks.
Bacteria and protozoa
Dog feces can also carry Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Giardia — organisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness in people. Research cited by the EPA puts roughly 23 million fecal coliform bacteria in a single gram of dog waste.
Why it lingers
The risk doesn't disappear when the pile does. Many of these pathogens survive in soil for months, and roundworm eggs can persist for years — so contaminated ground, hands, and shoes carry the risk forward long after cleanup.
Who's most at risk
Young children (who touch the ground and their faces constantly), pregnant people, and anyone immunocompromised should be especially careful.
How to avoid them
- Pick up waste promptly, before it contaminates soil.
- Keep your hands off the waste — use a barrier or a no-contact tool.
- Wash your hands after every cleanup.
A no-contact scooper like CleanScooper keeps your hands away from waste entirely, which is the simplest way to cut your exposure on daily walks.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. If you think you've been exposed to a parasite or infection, talk to a healthcare provider.