Dog care blog
Can dog poop make you sick?.
NOVEMBER 7, 2026 · 3 MINUTE READ
Yes. Dog poop can carry worms and germs that spread to people. Kids are at the highest risk, because they play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths.
Most of the time, simple habits keep your family safe. It starts with picking up poop and washing hands.
What can be in dog poop.
| GERM OR WORM | HOW PEOPLE GET IT | WHAT IT CAN DO |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworms | Swallowing eggs from dirt on hands, toys or food | In rare cases, larvae move into organs or the eyes |
| Hookworms | Larvae go through bare skin, like bare feet | Itchy red trails under the skin |
| Giardia | Swallowing it from dirt or water | Diarrhea and cramps. How often it passes from dogs to people is not well known |
| Salmonella and Campylobacter | Hands that touched poop or dirt | Diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps |
| E. coli | Hands that touched poop or dirt | Stomach illness |
Parvo, a deadly dog virus, also spreads through poop. People do not catch it, but other dogs can, so poop matters for every dog in the neighborhood too.
Who is most at risk.
- Young kids. The CDC says children are more likely to get roundworms and hookworms, maybe because they play in dirt and put their hands in their mouths.
- People with weak immune systems.
- Anyone who gardens bare handed or walks barefoot where dogs go.
How long the risk lasts.
Germs in fresh poop fade over time. Worm eggs last much longer. Los Angeles County Public Health says roundworm eggs can stay alive in soil for years, so a yard can stay risky long after the poop is gone. Puppies are more likely to carry some of these germs than adult dogs.
Dog parks and shared spaces.
Dog parks, HOA greenbelts and apartment pet areas get poop from many dogs. If even one dog carries worms or parvo, the ground can stay a risk for a long time. Keep your dog up to date on vaccines and worm preventive, and pick up every time.
When to see a doctor.
Most stomach bugs pass in a few days. See a doctor if you or your child has diarrhea that lasts, a high fever, blood in the stool or signs of dehydration. For an itchy red line that moves under the skin, or eye trouble in a child who plays in dirt, tell the doctor about your dog and your yard.
How to protect your family.
- Pick up poop at least once a week, and more often if you have kids or more than one dog.
- Wash hands with soap after yard work, after playing outside and before eating.
- Wear shoes in the yard and gloves when you garden.
- Keep your dog on a worm preventive and get a yearly poop test at the vet. The CDC says to deworm puppies early.
- Cover sandboxes when they are not in use.
- Keep kids' play areas away from the spots your dog uses most.
- Pick up before you mow, so the mower does not spread poop across the lawn.
A clean yard every week.
We scoop every pile on a set day each week, bag it and put it in your trash can. You get a photo of your latched gate when we leave, so you know the yard is done and the dogs are safe. See our prices or find your town on our service areas page. HOAs and apartments can see our commercial service.
Sources.
- CDC: What every pet owner should know about roundworms and hookworms
- Los Angeles County Public Health: Animal feces and disease
Questions.
Can you get worms from dog poop?
Yes. People can get roundworms by swallowing eggs from dirt, and hookworm larvae can go through bare skin.
Is dog poop dangerous for kids?
Kids face the highest risk because they play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths. Keep play areas picked up and wash hands.
How long do roundworm eggs live in soil?
They can stay alive in soil for years.
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