Toxoplasmosis...and dogs

Dhazard

So, DH has been dealing with the cats business b/c of toxoplasmosis since my BFP but at my appointment today, the doc said same goes for dogs.  She said stay away from dog poo.  Not that I'm a fan of hanging around dog poo BUT, I do have a dog who needs cleaning up after.  We don't have a yard so it's walk and pick up as we go.  In any case, anyone ever get the same recommendation from their doc and did you follow it?  Do you think I need to buy a pooper scooper like contraption (and of course make DH do dog "doody" when he's home) or just hold my breath (and use gloves) around the poo???

julia0402

I have not heard this about dogs, only cats, and I've been scooping my dog's poop this whole pregnancy.  Actually, I scooped the cat's litterbox all through first tri too, since DH wasn't home-- I just wore gloves.

hjl050308

I've never heard of that.  We told my OB that we have 2 dogs when she asked about cats and she said dog's poop is fine.  The only reason why I'm not picking it up is becuase it's something my husband does.

us+1

hmmm... my doc mentioned nothing of the sort.  in fact - i specifically asked her about dogs when she mentioned cats and she said, "no... dogs are perfectly fine."  i mean, i'm sure she didn't mean hang out in dog poop all day - but she said they are no harm.

christie.h

I think the major thing is that your not supposed to breath that stuff in, especially with cats because of the?ammonia. If you're outside in the open air and you use gloves I would think you would be fine?...

smismar

I have been picking up dog poo the whole time, too.  I use a little plastic sandwich baggie to pick it up and then as soon was we get inside, I wash my hands.  I haven't heard any warnings.

julia0402

ChristieAnne:

I think the major thing is that your not supposed to breath that stuff in, especially with cats because of the ammonia. If you're outside in the open air and you use gloves I would think you would be fine?...

No, it has nothing to do with ammonia, it's a bacterium.  But I have only heard of cats being carriers, not dogs.

djdavis

I wasnt aware but I have picked up poo since being pregnant with my doogie bags. Guess I have good excuse not to now. Thanks!!!

Sunny1inTucson

I've never heard of dogs being a problem. I think you should make DH do the walking and doggy scooping for you, lol! Naw, I'd just be sure to practice basic hygiene (scoop it up with baggy and wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap when you return from walk).

EMMB

Never heard of this and I work with dogs for a living. Don't go overboard, I'm sure your fine. The bag acts as a barrier between you and the dog poop anyway, its not like your rolling in it. Just wash your hands when you get home.

Also, the cat thing is if you have an outdoor cat. Your vet can do simple blood tests to determine if your cat carries taxoplasmosis.

Dhazard

Yeah, I had never heard anything about dogs and was pretty convinced I was still safe but thought I would ask to see if anyone heard the same thing.  It's pretty amazing how different doctors have such different advice/warnings.  Looks like I'm stayin' on dog doody...DH is stoked.  Thanks ladies!

vlahop

I never heard of it with dogs either.

BitsyKelly

Well, dogs poop, or any other animals for that matter can carry intestinal parisites that humans can catch.  Stuff like hook, round and whip worms, coccidia and giardia.  They are mostly transmitted fecal to oral, so unless you are putting unclean hands in your mouth I wouldn't freak out about it.  Just make sure to always use a plastic barrier when picking up poo, and it's not a bad idea to call your vet and test a fecal sample to make sure they are free of parisites, and possibly deworm them just in case!  Hope this helps!

Neudorfer

i asked my doc about my two dogs because one of them had worms and they said to handle them as you always would, just always wash your hands after and don't play with their poop... picking it up with a dog bag is fine.