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Pregnant: Is a visiting raw-fed dog a parasite risk indoors?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 40 lbs

HI, I’m pregnant and my sister is coming to visit me with her dog who eats a diet of raw meat and lives outside for the most part. He had pin worms over the summer sand was treated but, he continues to eat and live the same way as before. She’s going to keep the dog outside when visiting but will be going in and out to pet and feed him etc. Should I be concerned with my sister being in the house, sitting on the couch, and bringing in parasites on her clothes, etc.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2017

Raw diets can spread salmonella and E. coli to both humans and dogs. Make sure she follows proper hygiene for herself and the kitchen area where food prep is. If she washes her hands after all contact and washes the bowl immediately then the risk is minimal

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The unfortunate reality of a raw food diet is that it is a risk to everyone in the house, not just the dog, which is why it is not recommended. Houses that have an animal eating raw food are shown to have E.Coli, Salmonella, as well as parasites in the house. If the dog is kept outside this is a good solution, however strict hand hygiene (washing your hands after touching him or anything he has touched) and having someone that is not you deal with his feces and rinse the area where he has pooped down, is important. Dogs lick their bums, and then themselves, and we pet them, so we get their poop on us. This is a reality. Dogs that eat raw food have more 'pathogenic poop' than dogs that eat kibble. Your risk is very low, however just being aware of this, and making sure everyone is washing their hands well and is being careful with how they handle Pancho, and things in your house, is a good precaution. Best of luck with your visit and with your future baby, and congratulations!

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