What is Toxoplasmosis in Dogs?

Toxoplasmosis might sound like the name of a sci-fi villain, but it’s actually a real parasitic infection—and yes, your dog can get it. While it’s not super common, it’s something every pet parent should know about, especially if your dog likes to dig, eat strange things, or hang around cats (which, let’s be honest, many dogs do). 

Let’s dig into what toxoplasmosis is, how dogs get it, what symptoms to watch for, how it’s treated, and what you can do to protect your pup. Because while it’s not the most talked-about disease in the dog world, it definitely deserves a spot on your radar.

First Things First: What Is Toxoplasmosis in Dogs?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It’s one of the most common parasites in the world and can infect most warm-blooded animals—including dogs, cats, and humans.

The tricky part? Most healthy animals and people infected with T. gondii never show any signs of illness. But in young puppies, senior dogs, or pets with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can become a serious health threat.

How Do Dogs Get Toxoplasmosis?

Dogs usually get infected in one of these ways:

• Eating raw or undercooked meat that contains the parasite
• Snacking on infected rodents, birds, or roadkill (gross, but it happens)
• Ingesting soil or water contaminated with T. gondii eggs (called oocysts)
• Coming into contact with cat feces—especially if the cat is shedding oocysts

Here’s the kicker: cats are the primary host for T. gondii, meaning they’re the only species that can shed the parasite in their poop. Dogs, on the other hand, are considered intermediate hosts—they can carry the parasite in their body, but they don’t spread it through their feces.

Can Dogs Catch Toxoplasmosis from Cats?

Yes, but not by simply living with them. A dog would have to ingest cat feces ( considered a delicacy among many pooches) or contaminated litter or soil to become infected. So if your dog’s a bit too curious about the litter box, it might be time to block access.

That said, healthy adult cats only shed the parasite for a short period after first becoming infected, and many indoor cats never come into contact with T. gondii at all. So while it’s possible, it’s not extremely common.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

Here’s where it gets tricky: many dogs show no symptoms at all. But when they do, the signs can be vague and mimic other illnesses.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Coughing or breathing issues
• Muscle tremors or difficulty walking
• Seizures or neurological issues (in severe cases)
• Eye inflammation or vision problems

If your dog is immunocompromised—whether due to illness, medications, or age—the symptoms may come on more strongly and progress quickly.

How is Toxoplasmosis Diagnosed?

If your vet suspects toxoplasmosis, they may run a combination of tests, including:

• Bloodwork: to check for signs of infection and antibody levels against T. gondii
• PCR testing: which detects the parasite’s DNA
• X-rays or ultrasounds: to rule out other issues if symptoms are affecting lungs or organs
• Neurological exams: if your dog is showing signs like seizures or confusion

The tricky part is that antibody levels alone don’t always confirm active infection—they may just show that your dog was exposed in the past. That’s why vets often take a holistic approach based on symptoms, exposure risk, and test results.

Treatment Options for Toxoplasmosis

The good news? Toxoplasmosis is treatable in most cases.

Antibiotics like clindamycin are usually the go-to medication to fight the parasite. Your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or seizure medications if your dog is dealing with neurological symptoms.

Recovery time depends on how early the infection is caught and how severe it is. Some dogs bounce back quickly, while others (especially if the central nervous system is affected) may need longer treatment and follow-up care.

In serious cases, hospitalization and IV fluids might be necessary—especially if your dog is dehydrated or not eating.

Can Humans Catch Toxoplasmosis from Dogs?

Here’s a relief: Dogs don’t spread toxoplasmosis to humans. The main risk to people (especially pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems) comes from handling raw meat, gardening in contaminated soil, or cleaning a cat’s litter box when the cat is actively shedding the parasite.

Still, it’s always a good idea to practice good hygiene around pets—wash your hands after picking up poop, keep your dog away from roadkill, and don’t let them snack in the litter box buffet.

Preventing Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

While you can’t eliminate every risk, you can take steps to significantly reduce your dog’s chances of picking up T. gondii.

Here’s how:

• Keep your dog away from raw meat (no sneaky scraps from the kitchen counter!)
• Avoid feeding raw diets unless guided by a veterinary nutritionist
• Block access to the litter box if you have a cat at home
• Don’t let your dog roam freely where they could catch and eat rodents or birds
• Pick up poop promptly and keep outdoor areas clean
• Don’t let your dog drink from puddles, ponds, or questionable water sources

If your dog has a weakened immune system (due to illness, age, or medications), talk to your vet about additional precautions.

The Cost of Treatment: Why Pet Insurance Matters

Here’s the thing: diagnosing and treating toxoplasmosis isn’t always simple—or cheap. Between bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, medications, follow-up visits, and possible hospitalization, the costs can add up fast.

And that’s if your dog recovers quickly. In more serious or prolonged cases, you could be looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars.

That’s why pet insurance is worth considering before a health scare happens. With a good policy, you can focus on getting your dog the care they need without stressing over every line item on the vet bill. Whether it’s lab tests, prescription meds, or emergency visits, pet insurance can ease the financial burden—and help you act fast when your dog needs help most.

Final Thoughts

Toxoplasmosis in dogs might not be as well-known as other conditions, but it’s a real concern—especially for dogs with compromised immune systems or adventurous eaters who’ll snack on just about anything.

The good news? With a little knowledge, smart prevention, and quick action, you can help your dog stay safe and healthy.

And for those unexpected moments, pet insurance can be your safety net. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about giving your dog the best shot at a long, healthy life.

References:

1. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-dogs/toxoplasmosis-in-dogs
2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_toxoplasmosis
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00054/full

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.