Vet explains risks of flushing cat or dog poop down the toilet

A veterinary surgeon from the UK has issued a stern warning to pet owners: never flush your dog or cat’s faeces down the toilet.

In a video shared online, Ben emphasised the presence of harmful bacteria in animal waste that can lead to serious health issues in various species, including humans.

“Did you know that you are not supposed to flush your dog or cat’s poo down the toilet?” Ben revealed in his video. He cited an article from Anglian Water, a British water company, which strongly advises against flushing any type of animal waste.

This recommendation is primarily due to the presence of toxocara, a worm parasite commonly found in animal faeces.

Toxocara is resistant to the high temperatures and harsh conditions found in wastewater treatment processes. The parasite is particularly concerning because it’s a zoonotic parasite, which means humans can contract it.

Children are especially vulnerable to this parasite.

Animals can transmit toxoplasmosis, a dangerous zoonotic disease, to humans through direct contact with their faeces.

Toxoplasmosis can lead to serious health problems, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems and pregnant women, who can pass a life-threatening infection to their unborn babies.

Humans serve as intermediate hosts for toxocara, which means the adult worms do not develop in their intestines.

However, accidental ingestion of eggs found in faeces can lead to larvae hatching inside the body and migrating to various organs.

This migration can result in infections such as visceral larva migrant, where parasitic roundworms can damage internal organs like the liver.

Another form, ocular larva migrant, can also lead to eye damage and potential sight loss.

Moreover, evidence suggests that exposure to toxocara in childhood can reduce cognitive development and IQ, although such cases are thankfully rare.

Ben reassured viewers that regular deworming of pets can reduce the likelihood of them shedding toxocara eggs and strongly advises pet owners against flushing their dog or cat’s faeces down the toilet.

Experts from Brunker Road Veterinary Centre in New South Wales also advise against flushing pet waste down your toilet.

This practice can strain the sewerage system and pose environmental risks. Instead, many councils allow pet owners to place pet waste in their garbage bins, provided it’s well-wrapped to prevent odours.

The RSPCA Queensland suggests using biodegradable poop bags to collect and dispose of dog waste in a waste bin.

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If you have one or two dogs, your local council may permit placing pet waste in your garbage bin, provided it’s securely wrapped to prevent odours.

If your cat uses a litter tray, collect the solid waste and bury it, leaving uncontaminated litter in the tray.

Flushing cat poo down the toilet is not recommended for cat owners. However, kitty litter can be disposed of in a bin or used as garden compost.

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