Can You Pick Up Dog Poop or Scoop Cat Litter While Pregnant?

Pet Safety Articles

Pregnant woman wearing a teal dress walking her dog along a trail, holding her belly.

Pregnancy is a beautiful — and sometimes overwhelming — season in many people’s lives. From navigating what foods are safe to eat, to learning what chores you should avoid, every decision is a bit more significant when you’re protecting two lives instead of one. 

One question that often comes up for pet parents: “Is it safe for pregnant women to pick up dog poop or scoop cat litter?” 

The answer is nuanced. While handling dog poop comes with some health considerations, scooping cat litter carries a much higher risk due to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Let’s unpack both scenarios so you can make safe, informed decisions for yourself and your baby.

Can Pregnant Women Pick Up Dog Poop?

For expectant mothers, cleaning up after your dog is generally considered lower risk than cat litter — but it’s not completely risk-free.

What the Experts Say

Dog poop does not transmit toxoplasmosis (the parasite linked to pregnancy risks), but it can still harbor harmful bacteria and parasites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dog feces may contain: 

  • E. coli 
  • Salmonella 
  • Roundworms and hookworms 
  • Campylobacter 

While most healthy adults can fight off these infections, pregnancy suppresses your immune system. This makes you more vulnerable to illness, which could complicate your pregnancy or affect your baby’s health.

Safety Precautions for Dog Poop Handling

If you choose to scoop your dog’s waste while pregnant, here’s how to lower your risk: 

  1. Wear disposable gloves before handling any waste. 
  1. Use a scooper tool instead of direct bag contact. 
  1. Wash hands immediately after disposal, using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. 
  1. Avoid touching your face during cleanup. 
  1. Disinfect your yard regularly if you allow your dog to go outside unsupervised. 

If this sounds like a hassle — or you’d simply prefer not to take the risk — outsourcing can give you peace of mind. Professional services like Pet Butler’s pet waste removal ensure your yard stays clean without the health risk to you. More than one fur baby? You can even get a customized quote for pet waste removal for multiple dogs, to see what it might cost to hand this chore off entirely.

Pregnant woman sitting on a couch, holding her belly while petting her cat.

Can Pregnant Women Scoop Cat Litter?

When it comes to cat litter, the health risk is significantly higher.

Why Cat Litter Is Riskier

Cat feces can carry Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can cause: 

  • Miscarriage 
  • Stillbirth 
  • Premature birth 
  • Developmental delays 
  • Vision and hearing problems in the baby (ACOG: Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy) 

Cats become infected by eating contaminated raw meat, birds, or rodents, and then shed the parasite in their feces. Once in the litter box, the parasite’s eggs become infectious after 1–5 days — which is why cleaning frequency matters.

Safety Tips for Pregnant Cat Owners

  • Avoid scooping litter entirely if you can. Ask your partner, family, or roommate to handle it during your pregnancy. 
  • If you must do it, take precautions: 
  • Wear disposable gloves and a mask. 
  • Wash hands thoroughly after. 
  • Clean litter boxes daily, before the eggs become infectious. 
  • Keep cats indoors to limit their exposure to prey. 
  • Do not adopt new cats or kittens during pregnancy, since younger cats are more likely to shed the parasite. 

Safe Alternatives for Expecting Pet Parents

If you want peace of mind and fewer chores during pregnancy, Pet Butler can help. We handle dog poop scooping and yard clean-up, so you don’t have to worry about it. From regular visits to on-demand pickups, we ensure your outdoor spaces stay clean while keeping your workload light. We can stop by while you’re at work, on the road, or make things easier while you WFH. Not sure if Pet Butler serves your area? Start by viewing our locations page to find the branch closest to you.

Pet Butler learn more about our services banner. We offer the following pet services: pet waste removal, pet care, pet shuttle, commercial services and more. Image is of a Pet Butler employees smiling and walking a golden retriever across the grass on a sunny summer day.

FAQs About Handling Pet Waste While Pregnant

Can I walk my dog while pregnant?

Yes, walking your dog is typically safe and even beneficial during pregnancy as long as you feel comfortable. Just avoid overly strong pulling dogs and icy or uneven ground.

What if I already scooped cat litter before knowing I was pregnant?

Don’t panic — most exposures don’t cause illness. Talk to your doctor about a blood test to check for past or recent toxoplasmosis infection.

Can wearing a mask protect me from toxoplasmosis while scooping litter?

Masks and gloves can lower your risk, but the safest option is to avoid scooping entirely if possible.

Are there safe cleaning alternatives to bleach for litter boxes?

Yes, hot water and mild detergent can sanitize litter boxes effectively without strong fumes. Just make sure the box dries fully before refilling.

How often should my yard be cleaned if I’m pregnant and have dogs?

Ideally, waste should be removed daily to minimize exposure. If you don’t want to handle it yourself, a professional scooping service like Pet Butler is your safest bet.

The Takeaway

  • Dog poop: Generally safer than cat litter, but still requires gloves, handwashing, and caution. 
  • Cat litter: Riskier due to toxoplasmosis — best avoided entirely during pregnancy. 
  • Solution: Protect yourself and your baby by outsourcing waste cleanup. 

Pregnancy is a time to focus on health, rest, and preparing for the journey ahead. Let Pet Butler take over the dirty work — whether it’s dog poop, cat litter, or broader pet care services — so you can enjoy peace of mind. Start today by requesting a quote or checking our locations page to find a branch near you.

Disaster Preparedness for Pets: How to Protect Dogs, Cats & Other Animals in Emergencies

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A woman sitting with a jacket on holding a black cat on her lap with bags sitting next to her. Disaster Preparedness for pets

When a natural disaster strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is scrambling for your pet’s food, medicine, or crate. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, blizzard, or earthquake, emergency preparedness for pets is just as important as planning for the human members of your household. At Pet Butler, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your furry, feathered, or scaled companions with this essential disaster preparedness guide for pets.

Why Pet Emergency Preparedness Matters

In times of crisis, thousands of pets are injured, displaced, or left behind. With proper planning, you can prevent that from happening to your beloved dogs, cats, and other animals. Creating a pet emergency plan not only reduces stress during disasters, it can also save lives.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure you’re ready for any emergency:

1. Create a Pet Emergency Kit

Stock up on the following items and store them in a portable, waterproof container:

  • Medications & Veterinary Records: Keep in a sealed, labeled plastic bag
  • Pet First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, gloves, etc.
  • Leash, Harness & Carriers: Clearly labeled with ID tags
  • Waste Supplies: Litter box, litter, poop bags, and cleaning supplies
  • Comfort Items: Blankets, toys, or an item with your scent
  • Recent Photos: In case your pet gets lost

2. Ensure Proper Identification

Microchipping your pets greatly increases the chance of being reunited if separated. Also ensure they wear a collar with:

Keep microchip registration information up to date.

3. Know Where to Go

Not all evacuation shelters accept animals. Plan ahead by:

  • Researching pet-friendly shelters or hotels
  • Asking friends or family in safer areas if they can house you and your pets
  • Creating a list of emergency boarding facilities or veterinary hospitals in nearby cities

4. Practice Evacuation Drills With Your Pets

Train your dog or cat to enter carriers quickly and calmly. Practice loading your vehicle and going through your evacuation plan with all family members.

Pet Butler learn more about our services banner. We offer the following pet services: pet waste removal, pet care, and commercial services. Image is of a Pet Butler employee smiling and laughing hugging a white Labrador retriever dog.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Pets

Dogs

  • Keep a sturdy leash and harness in your emergency kit.
  • Practice crate training ahead of time for easier transport.
  • Include training pads in case your dog can’t go outside.

Cats

  • Cats can be more stressed during emergencies. Use calming pheromones in their carrier.
  • Line carriers with absorbent bedding and keep an extra litter tray handy.

Birds

  • Use a small, secure travel cage.
  • Cover the cage with a breathable cloth to reduce stress.
  • Keep extra seed, water containers, and a spray bottle for cooling.

Small Mammals

  • Use escape-proof carriers with ventilation.
  • Include nesting materials and food specific to each species.
  • Avoid overcrowding; each animal needs space to stay calm.

Reptiles

  • Secure heat sources like heating pads (battery-powered or chemical).
  • Bring extra bedding and feeding supplies.
  • Label containers clearly with species and any handling precautions.

After the Emergency: Returning Home Safely

Once it’s safe to return home:

  • Inspect your home before letting pets roam freely.
  • Watch for debris, spills, or structural damage.
  • Be patient—many pets exhibit anxiety or behavioral changes after a disaster.

Re-establish your routine as soon as possible and provide plenty of comfort and reassurance.

Don’t Leave Pet Preparedness to Chance

Having a well-thought-out pet disaster preparedness plan can mean the difference between chaos and calm when disaster hits. By preparing now, you’re protecting the health and safety of your dogs, cats, and other beloved pets—no matter what nature throws your way.

At Pet Butler, we’re here to support you and your pets through every stage of life—including the unexpected. Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow pet parents, and start building your emergency pet kit today!

View our Pet Wellness Videos for more expert pet advice.

At Pet Butler, we want you and your pet to live your best and healthiest lives, which is why we offer Pet Waste Removal and Pet Care services year-round. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time clean-up services to meet your schedule and needs.

Cold Weather Safety for Dogs

Pet Safety Articles

Cold Weather Dogs

When the fall season gives way to winter, we eagerly bust out our winter jackets, hats, gloves and sweaters to stay warm. We avoid going outside for extended periods of time, especially in freezing temperatures, and we bunker down in our homes. Although the weather change might be hard to get used to, these shifts in weather are felt more acutely by our dogs who can take longer to acclimate to outdoor changes.

Cold Tolerance for Different Breeds

Some Northern breeds like the Akita, Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Keeshond are built to withstand the arctic chill; their dense coats and furry feet act as insulation and help them navigate icy terrain. Others, like the Chihuahua, Poodle and Dachshund have thin coats and less muscle mass.

For smaller breed dogs, their anatomy keeps them closer to the ground where they come into direct contact with ice, snow and de-icing salt. These breeds are especially sensitive to exposure, and if their human owners are feeling chilled, you can bet they are too.

Tips for Dog Safety in Cold Weather

While we can turn up the heat, throw on some extra layers and break out our waterproof boots, our dogs need our help to keep safe in cold weather.

Add Extra Layers

One way to ensure our canine friends maintain a normal 101.5-degree Fahrenheit body temperature is to add an extra layer of fluff or insulation. Thin-skinned, delicate breeds such as the Italian Greyhound can use a coat or sweater that protects the belly and torso. Excessive hair between a dog’s toes can be trimmed to avoid slipping on surfaces and to limit the snowballs that form in between the toes. A well-groomed pooch can also be outfitted with booties for insulation and to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Most dog booties are elastic or have Velcro fasteners and can be laundered. Wiping down bellies and feet after coming in from the outdoors goes a long way in maintaining optimal health.

Limit Outdoor Playtime

Acclimating our dogs to the colder temperatures is best done by limiting outdoor playtime to 5-10 minutes and extending that period gradually.

Signs a dog is too cold:

  • Depression
  • Heat-seeking behavior
  • Shivering

As their internal temperature drops and they become hypothermic, it’s possible for a decreased heart rate, coma and even death to ensue. Dogs are more susceptible to frostbite on delicate skin such as the ear tips and tail. The most noticeable change in affected areas is a color change from pink to white or blue-grey.

Extra Care for Young and Senior Pets

Caring for senior or young pets when the weather is cold may mean keeping them indoors or providing a warm, cozy shelter. These dogs are less able to regulate body temperature, might be lower to the ground resulting in belly exposure to the snow or have compromised immune systems leaving them to feel physiologically stressed.

Temperature Safety Rules

As a rule, most dogs are comfortable at temperatures above 45 degrees and don’t likely need a coat. Below 32 degrees, most dogs will be feeling an uncomfortable chill. As the thermometer dips under 20 degrees (be sure to consider wind too), cover your pet when outside unless they happen to be an Arctic breed.

Maintain a Healthy Nutrition

Lastly, nutrition and hydration should be carefully considered when the weather is cold. Keeping your home’s humidity level high can help pets feel warmer and decrease the risk of cracked pads and dry skin. Dehydration is a concern in wintertime just as it is in the summer. Some dogs may drink more water to offset the lack of humidity in the air. Always provide ample fresh water to their bowls throughout the day. You can even give them ice cubes to snack on and opt for a heated water bowl if necessary.

If your dog is active in the snow or spends a lot of time outdoors, they utilize more calories to maintain their body temperature. To care for your dog in the winter, you might find additional kibble is necessary to maintain body weight and optimal health.

Paw Balm Recipe

Paw balm works as a preventive treatment or to help soften dry paw pads and noses during the winter.

paw balm

What You Need:

  • 21-24 standard lip balm tubes OR 6 1-oz. tins
  • A small digital kitchen scale, optional
  • Small pot or double boiler

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) olive, sunflower, or sweet almond oil
  • 2 oz. (approx. 2 tbsp.) coconut oil
  • 1 oz. (approx. 1 tbsp.) shea butter
  • 4 tsp. beeswax

Instructions:

  1. In a small pot or double boiler over low heat, melt the oils, shea butter and beeswax. Stir continuously until all is melted and well blended.
  2. Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes and/or tins.
  3. Let them cool on the counter until they’ve hardened.
  4. Cap and label.
  5. Keep away from extreme heat.
  6. Apply the balm as a preventive treatment or to help soften dry paw pads or noses.

 

At Pet Butler, we want your dog to enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe and healthy. You can focus on quality outside time with your pup, and we’ll take care of their waste removal on a weekly, every other week or monthly basis.

 

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