Am I overly alert on dog walk?

[Lis1992]

Hi,

A random one I know! So for context I have a fear of vomit and contamination from it. So when walking my dog I’m so conscious of it being on the street etc or if he sniffs at anything. Is anyone else as alert to stuff like this walking their dog? Or can you tell me stories of your dogs sniffing at stuff like this and being fine so I feel better! The logical side of me knows not to be so worried about it but it’s a fear I have. By the way it’s just vomit because of my own fear. I’m well aware dogs sniff each other’s backside, dog poop etc. None of that worries me; I know dog’s has different immune systems to us and we have to let them be dogs.

I mean, I wouldn’t let my dog sniff vomit in case he ate it cause dogs are disgusting.

But I can’t say we come across it that often that I’m actively watching for it 🤷‍♀️

DDog has sniffed possibly licked vomit a couple of times without consequence. Hope that manages to reassure you a little

Is your fear that your dog will contaminate you by touching vomit and then you or more that the dog will be harmed by touching vomit? If it's the latter, mine used to gobble up great mouthfuls of sick. We used to call it the pavement buffet. Gross but never caused any harm.

I can reassure you that my DDogs eat the worst things - vomit, poo, the more disgusting the better they think - and nothing awful has happened. My daily walk takes me past two well frequented restaurants and a pub. I try to steer the boys around anything obnoxious (especially when we're up and out early on a Sat or Sun morning) but they work in tandem to pull me towards offending crap.
Big boy dogs are naughty and conniving and just disgusting!

I don't actively look for stuff on walks, but he's eaten all sorts while we've been out and it's never been an issue. At worst he's had a bit of runny poo or some disgusting farts

That said, I obviously wouldn't go out of my way to let him eat poo/vomit/old food, but I don't think you can avoid it permanently.

I had the same fear as you a few years ago and it was debilitating. A therapist told me there was an official name for it - emetophobia - I had no idea and thought it was just me! There is help available so please do seek it through your GP or private services if you haven't already. Sending hugs

I'm much better now but am still funny about germs and am really cautious about my dog sniffing at things on the floor. I wipe his face down with dog wipes when we get home to help reassure myself but I know that doesn't solve the problem! Just wanted you to know you aren't alone x