Warning—for anyone with a sensitive stomach, this article deals with a topic that could cause an upset stomach!
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Have you ever gone for a walk in the woods, enjoying the fresh air and scenery, only to look down and see your dog eating poop? It happens! This is a normal behavior for dogs. It’s gross to us and it’s difficult to fathom what draws a dog to eat poop. However, one that really gets people upset is when their fur baby eats human poop.
Is Human Poop Dangerous?
Yes, human feces are dangerous to dogs. Not only do human feces carry harmful bacteria, but they can also be contaminated with drugs people have taken (including illegal drugs). Not only that. The food the person ate could also make a dog sick, if the dog eats enough of the poop.
While human feces can make a dog sick, in the majority of cases, dogs that eat human feces will be OK. It’s only a few dogs that will become sick.
Symptoms of a Dog That’s Eaten Human Feces
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten human feces:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
It can take several hours before symptoms show after your dog snarfs up poop. If you believe your fur baby has become sick from eating human feces, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. They will have the best advice on next steps for you to follow.
Any time you’re worried, even if your dog seems fine after eating poo, call the vet with your concerns.
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment for Dogs After Eating Human Feces
At the vet’s, they will do a physical exam of your dog, and will run lab work, too. Tests may include both blood work and fecal samples. Treatment will depend on the results of the tests.
If there’s an infection, the vet will treat your dog with antibiotics and may treat your dog with activated charcoal, or even an IV fluid to help flush the toxins from your dog’s system.
In most cases, dogs will fully recover pretty quickly without any harmful effects.
While dogs do eat feces as a normal part of their behavior, it’s best to prevent your dog from doing this. If he seems to eat poop on a regular basis, this is really something you should discuss with the vet. It may be your dog has a dietary deficiency of some kind.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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