Share

Be careful of puppy poop – it can make you sick

accreditation
Love your puppy, but be mindful of harmful bacteria that can be spread via her stools.
Love your puppy, but be mindful of harmful bacteria that can be spread via her stools.

Who doesn't love a tiny puppy?

Most of us, probably. But be mindful of hygiene when welcoming your new furry baby into your home.

Bacterial infections that have sickened 39 people in seven US states have been linked to puppies sold through Petland, a national pet store chain, US health officials say.

And while animal lovers will adopt rather than shop, one should still be careful, as bacteria can easily be carried via dogs. 

Puppies linked to bacterial outbreak

Campylobacter infections have been reported between September 2016 and August 2017 in Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine people have been hospitalised. No deaths have been reported.

On the African continent, outbreaks are particularly common in Mali, Gambia, Kenya and Mozambique. In South Africa, there is a 47.4% prevalence of campylobacter infections in children under-five with acute watery diarrhoea.

"Evidence suggests that puppies sold through Petland are a likely source of this outbreak," according to a CDC news release. "Petland is cooperating with public health and animal health officials to address this outbreak."

A common cause of diarrhoea 

Campylobacter is a bacteria that causes people to develop diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days of exposure to the organism, said Dr Sophia Jan, director of general paediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center, in New Hyde Park, New York.

This is a common cause of diarrhoea in the United States, she said.

"The illness typically lasts about a week without treatment," Jan said. But for people with compromised immune systems, campylobacter infections can be life threatening, she added.

Most cases in humans occur from eating raw or undercooked chicken, or eating foods that have been cross contaminated by infected poultry products, Jan noted.

Diarrhoea, vomiting or fever

However, humans can get infected from contact with the stool of an infected puppy, she added.

Twelve of the people sickened in this outbreak were Petland employees in four states. The other 27 had either bought a Petland puppy, shopped at Petland or visited someone who had purchased a puppy from Petland, the CDC report says.

Infected dogs may or may not show signs of illness, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or a fever, so it's important to take precautions when around dogs, the CDC says.

To prevent catching campylobacter from dogs, the CDC advises that you:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after touching dogs, their poop, or their food. Take extra care that children wash their hands carefully after playing with puppies or dogs.
  • Pick up and dispose of dog poop, especially in areas where children might play.
  • Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your puppy or dog.

Image credit: iStock

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE