Ever notice how your dog loves to dig up the yard or how your cat rolls around in the dustiest spot in the garden? While these dirt adventures seem harmless, they can hide some not-so-friendly surprises. At Cedar Creek Pet Hospital, we’ve seen quite a few cases of dirt causing more trouble than a mud-caked paw print on your white couch. Let’s dig into these dirt dangers and learn how to keep your pets out of trouble.

Dirt fungi: A hidden danger for pets

Dirt is a natural playground for fungi, and while they’re great for soil health, they’re not so great for your pet’s health. Fungal spores like those from Aspergillus and Cryptococcus are the usual culprits.

Keep an eye on where your pets like to dig and keep them away from areas with lots of bird droppings or old, decaying plants. A little garden supervision might save you a trip to the vet.

Dirt parasites: Tiny eggs, big pet troubles

Soil can be full of surprises, and not only the worms we dig up for for fishing. Parasite eggs can lurk in the dirt, waiting for your pet to get up close and personal. Worms in dirt include:

  • Roundworms — Your pet doesn’t need to sign up for a horror movie to get a roundworm infection. Only a few licks or sniffs of contaminated soil can do the trick. The result? Vomiting, diarrhea, and a bloated belly. It’s not exactly a recipe for a happy pet.
  • Hookworms — These guys can burrow into your pet’s skin from the soil. Hookworms think your pet’s paws are their personal door to your pet. Signs include anemia, weight loss, and a whole lot of itchiness.

To keep these unwelcome guests at bay, follow a regular heartworm, flea, and tick prevention schedule and avoid letting your pets play in areas where many other animals have done their business. Call Cedar Creek Pet Hospital and we can help you formulate a parasite prevention plan for your pet.

Dirt microbes: The silent pet threat

Not to be outdone, viruses and bacteria also hide in the soil, ready to jump at the chance to infect your pets. Diseases they cause include:

  • Leptospirosis — This bacterial disease is commonly the result of your pet contacting wet soil or water contaminated by the urine of infected animals. The bacteria are tiny villains that can wreak havoc on your pet’s liver and kidneys, leading to fever, vomiting, and overall unhappiness. Here’s the kicker—leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it doesn’t play favorites and can affect both pets and humans. If your pet catches lepto, you could be at risk, too. Fortunately, a vaccine is available to protect your four-legged friend.
  • Parvovirus — If viruses were ranked, parvo would be high on the list of villains. Parvo also hangs out in soil and is incredibly contagious. Signs include severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at highest risk.

Dirt may be a natural part of your pet’s world, but some not-so-natural dangers lurk within. From fungal spores and parasite eggs to pesky microbes, the soil your pet loves can be a source of some serious problems. Regular vet visits, vaccinations, and a bit of dirt-dodging can help keep your pets healthy and happy.

If your pet has had too much fun in the dirt and is showing illness signs, Cedar Creek Pet Hospital is here to help. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online for us to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. We will live up to our motto—You trust us so that they trust you—and we’ll turn those dirt worries into peace of mind.