Credit: @ben.the.vet/TikTok & Alamy
Vet Explains Why You Should Never Flush Your Dog Or Cat’s Poop Down The Toilet
A vet is warning pet owners to never flush their dog or cat’s poop down the toilet.
Dealing with your adorable fur baby’s feces isn’t the most fun part of being a pet owner, but it’s certainly important.
However you dispose of their excrement afterward is up to you, but if you flush it down the toilet, you may want to think again.
A vet has issued a stark warning against flushing your cat’s or dog’s poop, leaving the internet shocked.
A veterinary surgeon on TikTok, known as @ben.the.vet, has warned against flushing your pet’s poop down the toilet.
The caption for his TikTok asks pet owners if they have ever done it – and some viewers have admitted to doing so.
One person writes: “Why is this not more advised? I’ve been doing it for a year or more. Since having one cat and then adding another and now a dog.”
“Done it a million times while my puppy was potty training,” confesses another.
A third pens: “I have done with my puppy. I defo won’t be now. Thanks for the info. Needs to be more well known.”
“I’ve had dogs and cats my entire life, I’m actually traumatized about the number of people saying this is a regular routine,” says a fourth.
The vet explains that throwing your pet’s poop down the toilet can lead to serious health issues for several species, including humans.
“Did you know that you are not supposed to flush your dog or cat’s poo down the toilet?” Ben says in his social media post.
He then references an article published by the British water company Anglian Water – which strongly advises against flushing any type of animal waste.
The vet echoes the article, continuing: “This is because of the presence of toxocara, a worm parasite in animal feces, which is tolerant to the high temperatures and harsh conditions found in the final stage of processing used water.
“The reason toxocara is a worry is because it’s zoonotic, we can pick it up and children are particularly susceptible.”
Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous disease that can be transferred to humans through direct contact with an animal’s feces.
Mayo Clinic says: “Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis) is an infection with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. People often get the infection from eating undercooked meat. You can also get it from contact with cat feces. The parasite can pass to a baby during pregnancy.”
It adds: “Most people infected with the parasite do not have symptoms. Some people get flu-like symptoms. Serious disease most often affects infants and people with weakened immune systems. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy may cause miscarriage and birth defects.”
So, as a pet owner, make sure you frequently deworm your pets, and never flush their poop down the toilet – it’s not worth the risks!
Related Article: Dog Trainer Shares The Three Breeds He’d Never Own
Related Article: Medical Expert Explains Why You Should Never Kiss Your Dog On Its Mouth
Want more stuff like this?
Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox!
