Sorry, if the info I was given was wrong. A local doctor told me that bowls carry salmonella. After hearing that I did research it and found a lot of articles about it. Here is one of them http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/641913.html Again, I am sorry if the info is wrong.
I agree..common sense hygiene. Also, when I was pregnant my vet gave me an extra dose of deworming product to use when my son was born. Just as an extra precaution. I had cats, and in all honesty I had to scoop that litter, etc. when DH was away. I just washed my hands. With a dog, less of a problem...I'm sure you already scoop using at least a plastic bag. But if your dog is healthy and has his/her shots and deworming up to date, I have never heard of any problems.
if you are feeding food contaminated with salmonella to your dogs, then your dogs would be sick too.
common sense hygeine is all you need to do.
as a pregnant doctor and pet owner (who cleans up after the dogs and the cats every day) i do know what i am talking about.
My advice would be to avoid scooping the poop. I also avoid feeding the dogs and let my husband do that. The food bowel can contain salmonella, same for the water bowl. I do take a cup out of the cabinet and fill the water bowel that way if need be. I also wash my hands frequently after petting.
I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 very healthy children and one on the way. This is what seems to work best for me and my girls.
Good luck!!!
she should see her vet at least once a year and i recommend running a fecal exam on dogs once a year, especially when there are children in the home.