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We have lived in our house for three years. The previous homeowner had a fenced-in area for a large dog, which we've cleaned up and hope to use as a vegetable garden. Is it safe to grow food in an area that was previously home to a large dog?
The primary concern would be eggs of the common large roundworm (Toxocara canis), which are carried in dog excrement and can be transmitted to humans. The vegetables will be safe to eat; the main danger would be accidental ingestion of roundworm eggs from the soil through the mouth or nose. This is normally not a problem with adults; however, small children have been known to eat soil.
Microorganisms should consume most organic matter, including dog feces and their contents, over a period of three years, but there are no guarantees. Tilling the soil and continually cultivating it will likely finish off any residue. Take normal precautions regarding getting soil in your mouth or nose, and watch children carefully.
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