Pregnant: Is a visiting raw-fed dog a parasite risk indoors?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The unfortunate reality of a raw food diet is that it is a risk to everyone in the house, not just the dog, which is why it is not recommended. Houses that have an animal eating raw food are shown to have E.Coli, Salmonella, as well as parasites in the house. If the dog is kept outside this is a good solution, however strict hand hygiene (washing your hands after touching him or anything he has touched) and having someone that is not you deal with his feces and rinse the area where he has pooped down, is important. Dogs lick their bums, and then themselves, and we pet them, so we get their poop on us. This is a reality. Dogs that eat raw food have more 'pathogenic poop' than dogs that eat kibble. Your risk is very low, however just being aware of this, and making sure everyone is washing their hands well and is being careful with how they handle Pancho, and things in your house, is a good precaution. Best of luck with your visit and with your future baby, and congratulations!

  

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