Is Dog Poop Dangerous for Pregnant Women?

Key Risks During Pregnancy

While most of the attention around pregnancy and pet waste focuses on cat litter (toxoplasmosis), dog feces carry their own risks:

• Toxocara (roundworm) — ingesting eggs from contaminated soil can cause visceral larval migrans. While rare, it is more concerning during pregnancy.
• Bacterial infections — salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter in dog feces can cause severe illness in pregnant women.
• Hookworm — skin-penetrating larvae pose a risk when walking barefoot.
• Weakened immune response — pregnancy naturally suppresses some immune functions, making infections more likely to take hold.

Precautions to Take

1. Wear gloves when handling dog waste or gardening in areas where dogs defecate.
2. Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with soil, grass, or dog waste.
3. Wear shoes outdoors — never walk barefoot on grass where dogs poop.
4. Delegate waste cleanup to a partner or professional service when possible.
5. Ensure your dog is current on deworming and parasite prevention.
6. Avoid touching your face while outside or during yard work.

Delegate the Cleanup

The simplest way to eliminate risk is to avoid handling dog waste entirely during pregnancy. Options include:

• Having your partner take over yard cleanup duties.
• Hiring a professional pet waste removal service.
• Using long-handled scoopers to minimize bending and contact.

Keep Your Dog Healthy Too

• Maintain regular deworming — a parasite-free dog produces parasite-free poop.
• Feed a high-quality diet — reduces the chance of bacterial contamination in stool.
• Keep up with regular vet visits.
• Report any changes in your dog's stool to your vet.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your OB/GYN if you experience any of these after exposure to dog waste:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, cramping).
• Fever after handling pet waste.
• Skin rash or itching on hands or feet.
• Any illness that develops within a week of known exposure.