Whether a playful romp or a leisurely stroll, pets love to be outdoors. Nature and fresh air are beneficial to people and pets, but nature poses innumerable hazards. Dirt—especially in areas frequented by other pets and wildlife—can harbor parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that threaten your furry pal’s health. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team wants to ensure you understand these dangers and take preventive measures to keep your pet healthy.

Parasites in dirt can harm your pet

Parasitic worms and protozoa living in a pet’s intestines can deposit eggs or other infective forms in a pet’s feces. Anywhere dogs, cats, or wild animals poop, parasites may be found in the soil. Common offenders include:

  • Roundworms and hookworms — Roundworms and hookworms can infect dogs and cats after they ingest or walk through contaminated soil. Infestation signs include diarrhea, weight loss, and pale gums. 
  • Giardia — Giardia is a protozoan parasite that thrives in cool soil and water. Pets can become infected by ingesting Giardia cysts from the soil, which causes watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration. 
  • Toxoplasma — Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that primarily affects cats. Cats can acquire the organism by coming in contact with contaminated soil or eating an infected animal. Many cats with “toxo” are asymptomatic, but some experience fever, lethargy, respiratory issues, or eye inflammation. Keeping your cat indoors reduces their infection risk.

Bacterial and viral threats in dirt can harm your pet

Pathogenic bacteria in a pet or other animal’s digestive and urinary tracts can contaminate soil when the pet eliminates. Bacterial and viral threats include:

  • Leptospirosis — Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs can contract from soil or water contaminated with infected animal urine. Signs are vague and may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney or liver damage. 
  • Salmonella — Salmonella bacteria can be present in soil contaminated with feces and often cause food recalls for people. Pets can become infected by ingesting or coming in contact with the bacteria, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. 
  • Tetanus — Clostridium tetani, the bacterium that causes tetanus, can be found in soil and enter a pet’s body through wounds or cuts. Tetanus can cause muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, or death. 
  • Parvovirus — Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and can survive in soil and on other surfaces for long periods. Dogs contract parvovirus by ingesting soil contaminated with feces. Young puppies are the most at risk, often developing severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, and sepsis that may lead to death.

Fungi in dirt can harm your pet

Several pathogenic fungi can infect pets via spores in soil or sand, often entering through the nasal passages as pets sniff them. Once inside, fungi can spread through the blood to other body areas. These infections are difficult to diagnose and treat and are often life-threatening. Common fungi that threaten pets include:

  • Blastomycosis — Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that dogs contract from spores in moist soil or decaying organic matter. Signs often include coughing, fever, and skin lesions but may also involve the eyes, brain, or joints. 
  • Histoplasmosis — Histoplasmosis affects dogs and cats who inhale spores from soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Signs include respiratory issues, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea.
  • Valley fever — Coccidioidomycosis, also known as valley fever, is common in arid regions. Dogs can contract this disease by inhaling fungal spores from soil, sand, or dust. Signs include coughing, fever, and lameness. 

Protecting pets from “dirty” illnesses

Not all soil-borne infections are preventable. However, you can take measures to reduce your pet’s risk of contracting “dirty” illnesses by doing the following:

  • Visit the vet regularly — Regular checkups and vaccinations are essential for early detection and prevention of some infections, including parvovirus and leptospirosis.
  • Control parasites — Regular deworming and fecal tests can help detect and treat parasitic infections. Monthly heartworm preventive medication can also help protect your pet from contracting some parasitic diseases.
  • Maintain proper hygiene — Pets can become reinfected with parasites or bacteria lurking in your yard. Keep the yard free of pet waste to prevent disease spread.
  • Care for wounds — If your pet has an injury, promptly clean wounds to help prevent bacterial infections such as tetanus.
  • Avoid high-risk areas — Dog parks and densely wooded areas often harbor parasites, bacteria, and viruses, while fungal spores thrive in dry or moist conditions. 
  • Seek care for health concerns — Don’t wait if your pet shows illness signs, as they could progress rapidly without treatment.

Dirt surrounds us, and you can’t expect to prevent your pet from contracting all soil-borne illnesses. However, regular checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control are your best defense against environmental disease spread. Contact our Santa Monica Veterinary Group if your adventurous pet shows illness signs or to implement an individualized preventive care protocol to keep them healthy.