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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Poop

Q: My toddler ate poop. Is poop toxic?

Poop is usually nontoxic. If your child ate poop, give them a few sips of water. If they experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222 .

Poop is usually nontoxic .

If your child ate poop, give them a few sips of water. If they experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

What to know: Poop

Poop can also be referred to as feces, excrement and droppings.
To prevent further ingestion, make sure to wash your child’s hands, especially under their fingernails.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My toddler ate poop. Is poop toxic?

Eating a mouthful of animal or human poop is generally considered to be nontoxic.

Rarely, animal poop can contain bacteria or viruses that lead to more serious illnesses. Call IPC at 1-800-222-1222 for more information.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Usually, eating a small amount of human or animal poop doesn’t cause symptoms. Rarely, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or low-grade fever may occur hours to days after ingestion.

If any of these symptoms develop, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

Poop may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got poop in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.