How to protect your furry friend and your family from these common parasites
Dogs are playful and curious, and their everyday activities can put them at risk for picking up worms, which can be harmful for them — and your family. Worms are parasites that live in the intestines of dogs and feed on their blood or nutrients. Some worms can also infect humans, causing serious health problems. These are called zoonotic worms, and they are more common than you might think.
Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are common worms that can infect dogs. Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that live in the dog's intestines and can cause weight loss, itching, and segments in the feces. Roundworms are long, spaghetti-like worms that may not show any symptoms in dogs at all. Hookworms are small, thin worms that suck blood and cause anemia and weakness. These worms can infect humans too, causing an array of symptoms and health issues, so regular prevention and treatment is important.
Tapeworms
How Dogs Get Tapeworms
Dogs can get tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or by eating raw or undercooked meat that contains tapeworm larvae. Fleas are the most common source of tapeworms, and dogs can easily swallow them while grooming themselves or biting at their itchy skin.
How Humans Get Tapeworms
Humans can get tapeworms by accidentally ingesting infected fleas or by eating raw or undercooked meat that contains tapeworm larvae. Children can also be at risk, as they may play with dogs that have fleas or touch contaminated soil or sand that has dog feces in it. If a child puts their fingers in their mouth without washing them, they can swallow a flea or a tapeworm egg. Tapeworms can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies in humans, or other rare symptoms.
Roundworms
How Dogs Get Roundworms
Dogs can get roundworms by eating infected rodents, birds, or other animals, or by ingesting soil contaminated with dog poop or water that has roundworm eggs in it. Puppies can also get roundworms from their mother, either through the placenta or through the milk. Dogs with roundworms may have no clinical signs. However, some puppies and kittens may exhibit diarrhea and be slightly lethargic, depending on the worm burden.
How Humans Get Roundworms
Like dogs, humans can get roundworms by accidentally ingesting soil contaminated with dog poop or contaminated water that has roundworm eggs in it. Humans can come in contact with roundworms in the yard, on a beach, gardening, or at playgrounds.Children can also be at risk, as they may put their fingers or toys in their mouth without thinking about it. Roundworms can cause abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea, as well as other rare conditions.
Hookworms
How Dogs Get Hookworms
Hookworms are small, thin worms that hook onto the wall of the dog's small intestine. They can grow up to half an inch long and suck the blood of the dog, causing anemia and bleeding. Dogs can get hookworms by ingesting soil contaminated with dog poop or water that has hookworm larvae in it, or by having the larvae burrow into their skin. This can happen by walking or lying on soil that has dog feces in it. Puppies can also get hookworms from their mother, either through the placenta or through the milk. Hookworms can cause diarrhea, weight loss and weakness in dogs.
How Humans Get Hookworms
Humans can get hookworms by having the larvae burrow into their skin. This can happen by walking barefoot on soil that has contaminated dog poop in it, or by the skin coming in contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Children can be at risk, as they may play in areas that have dog feces in it. Hookworms can cause skin rashes, itching, and blisters in humans.
How to Avoid Worms in Dogs
A good way to avoid worms in dogs and humans is to practice good hygiene and sanitation. This includes washing your hands and your dog's paws after being outside, picking up and disposing of your dog's poop safely, and avoiding raw or undercooked meat. You should also keep your dog away from rodents, birds, and other animals that may carry worms, and from areas that have dog feces in them. Keeping them on a monthly preventative can also help reduce the risk of worm infections, as well as the potential for higher treatment costs and added distress.
