A veterinarian is advising pet owners against flushing their dog or cat's feces down the toilet.

When you have a pet, it's customary to clean up after them to prevent unwanted surprises for yourself and others. However, how you dispose of that waste is a matter of choice. But if you're in the habit of flushing it down the toilet, you might want to reconsider.

A veterinary surgeon who goes by @ben.the.vet on TikTok has issued a cautionary message.

He explains that disposing of your pet's feces in this manner can result in severe health risks for various species, including humans.

"Did you know that you are not supposed to flush your dog or cat's poo down the toilet?" he points out in his social media post.

He goes on to mention an article released by the British water company Anglian Water, which strongly discourages flushing any form of animal waste down the toilet.

The veterinarian reiterates the points made in the article, adding: "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."

Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous illness that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with an animal's feces.

According to the NHS, it is usually mild and often resolves on its own. However, health organizations caution that if you have a weakened immune system, it can lead to complications affecting your eyes, brain, heart, or lungs.

Additionally, if contracted during pregnancy, it can potentially result in a miscarriage or severe harm to the baby.

While we won't develop adult worms in our intestines as seen in some horror movies, Ben clarifies that the eggs ingested from animal feces can hatch and move within our bodies.

Another concerning aspect of toxocara is its potential impact on children, as exposure can hinder cognitive development and IQ.

Fortunately, these conditions are rare. To minimize the risk, Ben recommends that all pet owners regularly deworm their animals and refrain from flushing their waste down the toilet.

In his TikTok caption, he poses a question to pet owners, inquiring whether they have ever engaged in this practice. Interestingly, some viewers have openly confessed to having done so.

A commenter adds: "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."

"Done it a million times while my puppy was potty training," shared another.

"This needs to be more publicized I'm sure a lot of pet owners aren't aware," a third pointed out.

Someone else writes: "I have done with my puppy. I defo won't be now. Thanks for the info. Needs to be more well known."

"I've had dogs and cats my entire life, I'm actually traumatized about the number of people saying this is a regular routine," a fifth comments.

Therefore, if you happen to be among those pet owners who flush their animal's feces down the toilet, it might be worth reconsidering your approach!