Soil, a seemingly innocuous part of the environment, poses significant dangers to cats and dogs. While dirt may appear as just a play area for pets, the substance often harbors numerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs, which can cause serious health issues. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team digs into these dangers and describes the preventive measures you should take to minimize your four-legged friend’s illness risk.

Bacteria in soil can harm pets

You are unable to see the many microorganisms in soil, including bacteria. While these tiny organisms support plant life, some can harm your pet’s health, including:

  • Leptospira — Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species in soil and water. Pets can contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated soil, especially after heavy rainfall or in areas with pooled or standing water. Keep an eye out for leptospirosis signs such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney or liver damage. Having your pet vaccinated by our veterinarian and avoiding stagnant water can help prevent infection.
  • Clostridium tetani — Clostridium tetani, the bacterium responsible for tetanus, commonly exists in soil. Pets can contract tetanus by coming in contact with contaminated soil that can enter their bloodstream through wounds. Pets’ tetanus signs include muscle stiffness and spasms, often referred to as lockjaw. Prompt wound cleaning and future soil avoidance are essential preventive measures.

Viruses in soil can harm pets

Viruses are often exceptionally resilient and can remain active in the soil for long periods. Some of the viruses that exist in soil include:

  • Canine parvovirus — Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that thrives in soil for several weeks. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are particularly at risk. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Vaccination and good hygiene can protect your furry friend from this life-threatening virus.
  • Feline panleukopenia virus — Feline panleukopenia virus, also known as feline distemper, is a virus that can survive in soil for long periods. It particularly affects kittens and unvaccinated cats. Signs include fever, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Vaccination beginning when your cat is a young kitten is the most effective way to help your whiskered pal avoid this disease.

Parasitic eggs in soil can harm pets

Common parasites lay their eggs in soil and standing water. Some of these eggs are hazardous to your furry companion, including:

  • Roundworms (Toxocara) — Roundworm eggs commonly exist in soil contaminated with feces from infected animals. Pets can ingest these eggs while playing in the soil or grooming themselves after an egg has stuck to their fur. Roundworms can cause GI issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and a distended abdomen. To reduce your pet’s roundworm infection risk, you should have them regularly dewormed by our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team. In addition, promptly disposing of pet waste can reduce the infection risk
  • Hookworms (Ancylostoma) — Hookworm larvae can penetrate your pet’s skin after they have come in contact with contaminated soil. If left untreated, these parasites can cause your pet severe anemia, weight loss, and GI distress. Preventive measures include regular deworming, avoiding areas known to be contaminated, and maintaining a clean environment.
  • Tapeworms (Echinococcus) — Tapeworm eggs can be present in soil contaminated with feces from infected animals. Pets can ingest these eggs through contact with either the feces or the soil. Tapeworms can cause GI problems and weight loss. However, through regular deworming and not allowing your pet to access contaminated areas, you can help prevent infection.

Fungal spores in soil can harm pets

Various fungi species thrive in soil, often in areas that have been disturbed, such as fields and ditches. Some of these fungal spores are hazardous to pets, including:

  • Histoplasmosis — Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which often exists in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Pets can inadvertently inhale the fungal spores, leading to respiratory issues, fever, and weight loss. To reduce your pet’s histoplasmosis risk, avoid fields, open areas, and places where the soil has been disturbed.
  • Blastomycosis — Blastomycosis is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which thrives in moist soil and decomposing organic material. Pets can inhale the fungal spores, resulting in respiratory problems, skin lesions, and fever. Limiting exposure to high-risk areas and prompt veterinary care with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team can help manage this infection.

Protecting your pet from soil hazards

Soil is ubiquitous to our environment. However, you can minimize your four-legged friend’s infection risk from the pathogens that exist in soil by following these tips:

  • Vaccinations — Keep up with your pet’s vaccination schedule to help protect them from bacterial and viral infections.
  • Regular deworming — By regularly scheduling your pet’s deworming, you help them avoid parasitic infections.
  • Hygiene — Create a clean living environment using disinfectant and promptly disposing of pet feces to reduce the contamination risk.
  • High-risk area avoidance — Limit your pet’s access to areas known to be contaminated with pathogens such as open, disturbed land, or wet areas that include ponds and bogs.
  • Veterinary care — If your pet shows illness signs after soil exposure, seek prompt veterinary attention.

While soil is a natural and necessary part of the environment, the substance poses hidden dangers to pets. By understanding the potential risks and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your furry friend from the harmful pathogens lurking in soil. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to learn additional preventive strategies to help ensure that your pet remains healthy and safe.