8 Dangerous Parasites Found in Dog Waste — And How to Avoid Them

Dog ownership brings joy, companionship, and health benefits—but it also comes with responsibility. One of the most overlooked dangers in suburban yards and public parks is dog waste. Beyond the odor and mess, what lies inside that waste is far more threatening: parasites. These invisible invaders can infect children, pets, and even adults—especially when yards aren’t cleaned regularly.

In places like Geneva, Elgin, and Dekalb, more families are turning to dog poop removal service providers like Bowie & Friends to safeguard their homes, health, and communities.

Here are eight dangerous parasites commonly found in dog feces, and how you can protect your family from exposure.

1. Roundworms

These are one of the most common parasites in dogs. Roundworm eggs are shed in feces and can survive in soil for years. Children who play in contaminated yards or parks risk accidental ingestion, leading to visceral larva migrans, a serious internal infection.

Routine cleaning by a weekly dog poop pickup service in Lombard IL ensures eggs never have time to incubate or spread in your backyard.

2. Hookworms

Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin, often through bare feet. They feed on blood and can cause anemia, stomach pain, and severe itching.

Using a professional dog waste removal Geneva area service like Bowie & Friends keeps these harmful parasites out of the soil—and off your family’s skin.

3. Giardia

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that spreads through contaminated water or soil. In both humans and dogs, it causes diarrhea, fatigue, and dehydration.

Because dog poop can wash into storm drains and water systems, it’s vital to use a licensed pet waste removal company to prevent runoff contamination, especially in green cities like Geneva.

4. Tapeworms

Often passed through fleas, tapeworms are another risk from uncollected waste. Children or pets who come in contact with infected feces or fleas are vulnerable.

Our dog friendly pooper scooper technicians at Bowie & Friends are trained to detect and safely dispose of all waste, reducing exposure to these common parasites.

5. Whipworms

Whipworms live in the large intestine and can survive outside the body for years. In dogs, they lead to chronic digestive problems and weight loss. For humans, the infection is rare but possible through accidental contact.

A consistent weekly dog poop cleanup routine helps stop the cycle, especially in multi-dog households in areas like Elgin.

6. Toxocara canis

This parasite is especially dangerous for children, who may accidentally ingest eggs while playing outside. It can cause vision loss and neurological damage.

Hiring a cheap dog poop pickup service is a small investment that protects your children from life-altering infections.

7. Coccidia

While more common in puppies, Coccidia spreads through contaminated feces and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It can also infect cats and wildlife, putting entire ecosystems at risk.

By using a pet waste removal service, you reduce transmission risk—not just for your household but your entire neighborhood.

8. Cryptosporidium

This waterborne parasite causes gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals. It’s incredibly resistant to chlorine, making it a concern in both yards and community pools.

Hiring a professional pooper scooper service Chicagoland ensures fecal matter never ends up near your pool, patio, or garden hose.

Why It Matters for Families and Pet Owners

Parasites found in dog feces don’t just stay in one place. They travel on shoes, garden tools, paws, and little hands. For households with children, elderly adults, or multiple pets, the risk multiplies.

In suburban areas like Dekalb, where outdoor living is a lifestyle, neglecting dog waste leads to infestations, illness, and escalating vet bills.

How to Avoid These Dangers

1. Clean your yard weekly.
2. Avoid barefoot play in grass unless the area is parasite-free.
3. Use a reliable no-contract dog poop pickup service.
4. Educate neighbors to reduce community-wide risk.
5. Partner with a trusted provider like Bowie & Friends.

Our monthly dog waste removal subscription IL plans are affordable, professional, and perfect for families who don’t want to take chances. Plus, our refer-a-friend dog waste pickup discount helps your entire community stay safe while saving money.

Protect Your Loved Ones—And Your Yard

You don’t have to deal with this alone. Bowie & Friends offers the best pooper scooper service near Aurora IL and surrounding suburbs. Our trained technicians use proper sanitation protocols, PPE, and eco-safe disposal to eliminate threats from your property.

Whether you need a one-time backyard cleanup dog poop service or a full weekly plan, we’re here to help. We proudly serve homes in Geneva, Elgin, Dekalb, and beyond.

🌐 Visit bowieandfriends.com today to schedule your service and take the first step in protecting your family from these invisible but dangerous parasites.