A cat that is infected with coccidia cannot pass the infection to dogs and vice versa. Coccidial infections in cats occur only by swallowing the coccidia in soil or cat feces or by eating intermediate hosts.
What are the side effects of a dog eating cat poop?
Your dog could get intestinal parasites from eating fecal material. Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia could be transmitted from coprophagy (the medical term for eating fecal material). These parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, weight loss and anemia.
How can dogs get coccidia?
Dogs get coccidia from swallowing infected soil or substances containing dog feces. Removing dog feces from your yard and the dog's environment is the best protection. Your veterinarian can test, and treat if necessary, your dog for coccidia. Puppies should be tested regularly.
How long can coccidia live in poop?
Coccidia do not live for very long outside of the body. They may survive for a week in intact feces, but the parasites will die within a few days on clean surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight.
Can dogs get diarrhea from eating cat poop?
After eating cat poop some dogs may develop gastrointestinal signs (tummy upsets) such as vomiting or diarrhea. This will often be self-limiting and can be treated with a bland diet such as chicken, rice or scrambled egg.
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