Vet warns pet owners about reason they should never flush animal poo down the loo

Getting rid of your pet's number twos could be the worst thing about having an animal friend.

So many people hate doing it, to the point where some will look to cut corners when it comes to the disposal of it.

For example, flushing it down the toilet instead of getting rid of it properly, in an animal waste bin, can seem like a quick fix but it turns out that's not the case.

Not to worry though, as an animal health professional has come to the rescue.

Ben, a veterinary surgeon, hopped onto TikTok to to explain why pet owners should avoid the toilet method at all costs.

The Brit prefaces the explanation by reading the FAQs of the Anglican Water website, looking under the section that covers if you can flush dog or cat poo down the old bog.

He then reads out the answer, as the website explicitly states not to flush any animal faeces down the toilet.

The scientific reason is quite gross and slightly weird, but it is worth noting, as Ben explains: "This is because of the presence of toxocara, a worm parasite in animal faeces, which is tolerant to the high temperatures and harsh conditions found in the final stage of processing used water.

“The reason toxocara is a worry is because it’s zoonotic, we can pick it up and children are particularly susceptible.”

Unfortunately, humans are described as an 'immediate host' for the parasite, which can be passed through contact with animal faeces.

Not to worry though, 'we can't develop adult worms in our intestines, instead we accidentally swallow the eggs [through the poo particles] which hatch into larvae and these move around inside our bodies'.

Ben also says evidence supports links drawn between the parasite causing reduced IQ and cognitive development if caught during childhood.

However, the vet did go on to say it is 'thankfully rare' in the UK, and that worming your pet is the best way to prevent this from happening. So, we can all breathe a (slight) sigh of relief.

In the comments, viewers felt mixed emotions at finding out about this shocking truth.

One user said: "Why is this not more advised? I've been doing it for a year or more. since having one cat and then adding another and now a dog."

Another shared: "I used to send 'surprises' in the house down the toilet, but no more!"

Someone else expressed their shock, commenting: "My cat's litter says 'flushable'. It's handy information for pet owners to have, as I think we can agree that no-one wants a bunch of tiny worms swimming around in their bodies."