Introduction
We all know the importance of keeping our dogs healthy, happy, and parasite-free. But as animal lovers, we don’t stop at protecting our four-legged friends—we want to keep our whole family, including ourselves, safe from disease. When it comes to intestinal parasites like worms, there’s usually no need to worry. But some types of worms can spread between pets and people, so it’s good to understand the risks.
With over 20% of dogs infected with intestinal parasites, worming is an essential part of responsible pet care. Yet the idea of parasites crawling around inside our own bodies gives most people the chills. Could worms be spreading silently through your home? Let’s dig into the facts about how intestinal worms are transmitted between pets and humans, and whether you should give yourself a deworming treatment after caring for your dog.
What is Worming for Dogs?
Worming, also known as deworming, is the process of removing intestinal parasites like worms from your dog’s body. Intestinal worms are common in dogs and puppies, with most animals having some worms at least at one point in their lives. The main purpose of worming dogs is to eliminate intestinal parasites before they can multiply and cause harm.
Some of the most common intestinal worms found in dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These worms live in a dog’s intestines and can cause a variety of health problems. Worms rob your dog of nutrients, interfere with digestion, and in some cases can spread to humans. By using deworming medications prescribed by your veterinarian, you can eliminate parasitic worms and prevent associated problems.
Veterinarians typically recommend regular deworming, starting with puppy shots and continuing through adulthood. Deworming helps remove worms present at the time of treatment and prevents future infections by breaking the worm’s lifecycle. Keeping your dog free of worms is an important part of caring for their health and wellbeing.
Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
There are four main types of intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs:
- Roundworms – Roundworms are extremely common parasites in dogs. The most common roundworm is Toxocara canis. Puppies are most often infected by their mother before birth or while nursing. Roundworm eggs are prolific and can infect people and other animals too.
- Tapeworms – Tapeworms live in a dog’s small intestine. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients. Tapeworm segments containing eggs break off and pass in the dog’s feces where they can infect other animals. Common tapeworms include Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species.
- Hookworms – Hookworms like Ancylostoma caninum feed on blood in the small intestine. This can lead to anemia and weight loss in infected dogs. Larvae enter through the skin and travel to the intestine. Hookworms are zoonotic parasites that can infect humans too.
- Whipworms – Whipworms or Trichuris vulpis live in the cecum and large intestine. They cause chronic watery diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Their eggs are extremely resistant and can survive in soil for years.
This covers the most common intestinal worms in dogs in paragraph format with a bulleted list to summarize each type. Let me know if you would like me to expand or modify the section in any way.
Can Humans Get Worms from Dogs?
Yes, some parasites found in dogs can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected feces. These are known as zoonotic parasites. Some of the most common zoonotic parasites that can be passed from dogs to humans include:
- Roundworms – Roundworm larvae can contaminate soil and be ingested by humans. Larvae may migrate through tissues and cause damage.
- Hookworms – Larvae can penetrate bare skin and migrate throughout the body. This can result in cutaneous larva migrans.
- Tapeworms – Humans can become infected by ingesting tapeworm eggs shed in an infected dog’s feces.
- Giardia – This protozoan parasite causes giardiasis in humans through ingestion of cysts shed by infected dogs.
These parasites have direct life cycles, allowing them to pass between dogs and humans. Proper handwashing and cleaning up after dogs can prevent transmission of zoonotic parasites.
Common Parasites Shared by Dogs and Humans
There are several intestinal parasites that can be transmitted between dogs and humans. Some of the most common include:
Toxocara
Toxocara are roundworms that live in a dog’s intestines. The eggs are shed in the feces and can contaminate soil, spreading the infection. Humans can accidentally ingest Toxocara eggs, usually by consuming vegetables or fruits that have come in contact with contaminated soil. Ingesting the eggs can cause a condition called larva migrans, where the larvae migrate through the body, causing damage to tissues and organs.
Ancylostoma
Ancylostoma, also known as hookworms, are intestinal parasites that attach themselves to the intestinal wall and feed on blood. The eggs are passed in the feces and hatch in the soil. Humans can contract hookworms by walking barefoot on contaminated soil. The larvae can then penetrate the skin and travel through the bloodstream to the intestines.
Dipylidium
Dipylidium, or tapeworms, are transmitted when humans accidentally ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. Children are especially at risk since they may swallow an infected flea while petting or grooming dogs. The tapeworm then grows inside the intestines, absorbing nutrients.
Risk Factors for Transmission
Although intestinal parasites can infect people of all ages, some groups are at higher risk. Young children who play outdoors or in areas contaminated with dog feces are especially vulnerable to picking up worm eggs and larvae. Children are more likely to accidentally ingest dirt and put contaminated hands or objects in their mouth.
People with weakened immune systems are also at increased risk for contracting worms from dogs. Those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, autoimmune disorders, or who take immunosuppressant medications have a harder time fighting off infections. Additionally, intestinal worms can be more dangerous and harder to treat in those with compromised immunity.
Pregnant women need to take extra precautions around pets to avoid infections that could harm the developing fetus. Always wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes or picking up dog waste. Wash hands thoroughly afterward since parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis can lead to birth defects or miscarriage.
Preventing Transmission
There are several ways to help prevent the transmission of intestinal parasites from dogs to humans:
Proper Hygiene: Washing hands frequently, especially after contact with dogs or cleaning up after them, can help prevent ingestion of parasite eggs. Avoid touching your mouth before washing hands. Keeping dogs out of food preparation areas also helps.
Deworming Dogs: Ensuring your dog is on a monthly heartworm preventative medication that also treats common intestinal parasites can reduce shedding of eggs. Annual fecal tests and deworming is recommended. New puppies should be dewormed regularly.
Avoiding Dog Feces: Pick up and properly dispose of dog feces promptly, especially in your own yard. When walking dogs, carry waste bags to clean up after them. Avoid areas potentially contaminated with feces. Teach children not to touch feces.
Should You Deworm Yourself?
There is generally no need for human family members to take dog deworming medication, even if your dog has worms. While some parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can be transmitted between dogs and people, taking dog dewormers is not recommended as a preventative measure.
Dog deworming medications are formulated specifically for canine physiology and can be unsafe if taken by humans. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, rashes, and life-threatening reactions in some cases. Additionally, taking dog dewormers unnecessarily can lead to resistance in parasites over time.
Rather than taking veterinary medications preventatively, the best ways for humans to avoid getting worms from dogs include:
- Washing hands frequently, especially after playing with or cleaning up after dogs.
- Avoiding contact with dog feces, and using gloves when cleaning it up.
- Deworming dogs regularly as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Keeping dogs away from children’s play areas.
- Having dogs routinely tested for intestinal parasites.
Following basic hygiene and preventing any ingestion of infective parasite eggs or larvae is the safest way to guard against transmission. Only take anti-parasitic drugs if prescribed by your physician after diagnosis.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re concerned that you or a family member may have been infected with a parasite from your dog, it’s important to see a doctor for testing and treatment. Some parasitic infections can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
See your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate a parasitic infection:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Cough or wheezing
- Skin rash or irritation
Your doctor can order lab tests such as a fecal test or blood test to check for parasites. Some types of worm infections can be diagnosed just by looking at a sample of your stool under a microscope.
If a parasitic infection is found, your doctor will prescribe you an oral medication or topical cream to kill the parasites. Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions carefully to fully eliminate the infection.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most parasitic infections can be cured fairly quickly. See your doctor right away if you have any concerning symptoms after exposure to your dog’s fleas, ticks or feces.
Conclusion
Regular deworming is an important part of dog care to protect their health. Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are common in dogs and can be transmitted between pets and people through contact with infected feces.
While intestinal parasites can spread from dogs to humans, the risk is low if you practice good hygiene and have your dog on a regular deworming schedule. You don’t need to deworm yourself as well unless you show symptoms or your doctor recommends it. Focus on washing hands after playing with your dog, cleaning up feces promptly, keeping your dog on monthly heartworm prevention, and having annual fecal tests done.
With some smart preventative measures, you can keep your dog worm-free and greatly minimize any risk of parasite transmission. Maintain open communication with your veterinarian and update them on any concerns about potential exposure. By staying vigilant about your dog’s health and following your vet’s guidance, you can protect the wellbeing of all family members.