Health Concerns
Dog poop is more than just a stinky nuisance - it can pose a serious health hazard. Dogs smell it, roll in it, even ingest it. And sometimes, pick up serious diseases from it.

Parvo Virus is one of the deadliest diseases in the dog population, particularly among puppies. Gaining entry through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death. Parvo also temporarily affects a dog’s immune system and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs.

Whipworms are blood suckers, tunneling into the wall of the intestine for their blood meals. Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are common symptoms, and in large numbers, these parasites can cause anemia. Difficult to diagnose, they are even harder to eliminate because they are often present in very large numbers.

Hookworms are blood suckers attaching to the intestinal wall where they suck plugs of the intestinal tissue into their mouth structures. Anemia and/or intense inflammation can result. Hookworm infections can be passed to humans. Children run the greatest risk of infection because they roll around and play in the yard and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands. Anyone walking barefoot is a target for this problem because of contaminated soil or infected feces.
 

Roundworms (acaroids) can affect the lungs and digestive system, with typical signs being vomiting and diarrhea. Convulsions can occur with heavy infections and the disease can spread to humans.

Giardia are one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs. Infection with Giardia is often difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.

Coronavirus (Corona) is a viral intestinal infection in dogs which is usually of short duration. Infected dogs usually shed the virus in their feces for one to two weeks, sometimes longer. The virus is then ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with the infected dog. Diarrhea is typically sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite.

Animal waste, and most especially that of dogs, is one contributor to storm water pollution and contains disease carrying bacteria and toxic chemical nutrients that can increase the risk of viral infections, flu, and skin rashes.

The best way to prevent diseases and the many bacterial infections dogs can acquire from stools, is to clean your yard of dog feces at least once per week (more often if possible) and keep current on your dog’s vaccinations, fecal examinations and deforming. Also, pick up waste before rain can break up or scatter the feces and allow worms or germs to spread into the environment.

Most of this information is from Dr.s Foster and Smith at www.peteducation.com.