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Dogs can carry several types of intestinal parasites, and some of them can also affect people. However, transmission does not usually happen simply because you pet, cuddle, or live with a dog.
Can humans get intestinal worms from dogs? Yes, certain canine intestinal worms are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. Understanding how exposure happens can help families protect themselves without avoiding normal interaction with their pets.
Which Dog Worms Can Affect Humans?
Not every intestinal worm found in dogs poses the same risk to people. The most important ones include:
Roundworms
Certain dog roundworms can infect humans when microscopic eggs from contaminated soil or other surfaces are accidentally swallowed.
Children may face greater exposure because they frequently play outdoors and may put unwashed hands in their mouths.
Hookworms
Some dog hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin after contact with contaminated soil or sand. This may cause an itchy skin condition known as cutaneous larva migrans.
Walking barefoot or sitting directly on contaminated ground can increase exposure.
Tapeworms
Some canine tapeworms can occasionally infect humans. For example, Dipylidium caninum infection can occur if a person accidentally swallows an infected flea.
This is one reason controlling fleas is an important part of protecting both pets and households.
How Do Dog Worms Spread to People?
If you're wondering if humans get intestinal worms from dogs, it helps to understand that transmission is usually indirect.
Depending on the parasite, exposure can occur through:
- Contact with soil contaminated by dog feces.
- Accidentally swallowing microscopic parasite eggs.
- Handling contaminated material and then touching the mouth
- Walking barefoot on contaminated ground
- Accidentally swallowing an infected flea.
Simply touching a healthy dog is generally not the main route of transmission. Good hygiene and effective parasite control can greatly reduce the risk.
Can You Get Worms From Dog Poop?
Potentially, yes.
Dog feces can contain parasite eggs or other infectious stages. Some require time in the environment before becoming infectious, while others have different life cycles.
The safest approach is simple: remove dog waste promptly and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Don't allow children to play in areas heavily contaminated with animal feces, and keep sandboxes covered when they aren't being used.
What Are the Signs of Worm Infection in Humans?
Symptoms depend on the parasite and where it travels in the body. Some people may have no obvious symptoms, while others can develop:
- Skin irritation or an itchy rash
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Other symptoms depending on the parasite involved
Certain zoonotic worm infections can cause more serious complications.
If you think you or a family member may have been exposed, contact a healthcare professional. Do not use your dog's deworming medication to treat a person.
How Can Dog Owners Reduce the Risk?
Fortunately, a few everyday habits can significantly reduce exposure.
Pick Up Dog Waste Promptly
Don't allow feces to accumulate in your yard. Dispose of waste safely when walking your dog as well.
Wash Your Hands
Wash thoroughly after handling dog feces, cleaning contaminated areas, gardening, or playing outdoors.
Maintain Flea Control
Because fleas are involved in the life cycle of certain tapeworms, appropriate flea prevention can reduce the risk of reinfection.
Follow an Appropriate Deworming Program
Dogs should receive parasite protection suited to their age, lifestyle, location, and individual risk.
Consider Routine Stool Testing
Dogs can sometimes carry intestinal parasites without obvious symptoms. Your veterinarian may recommend fecal testing as part of preventive healthcare.
Choosing Appropriate Parasite Protection for Your Dog
Different dewormers don't necessarily treat the same worms. When selecting a parasite-control product, check:
- Which worms it targets
- The active ingredients
- Your dog's age and weight
- Recommended dosing frequency
- Whether additional flea or parasite protection is needed
At 79Pets, dog owners can compare deworming and parasite-control options to find products suited to their dog's needs. Follow the product label carefully and speak with your veterinarian if you're uncertain which parasites your dog needs protection against.
Keeping your dog appropriately protected isn't only important for your pet—it can also help reduce environmental contamination and parasite exposure within the household.
When Should Your Dog See a Vet?
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog has persistent diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, pale gums, a swollen abdomen, visible worms, blood in the stool, or recurring parasite infections.
A veterinarian may recommend a fecal examination to identify the parasite and determine the appropriate treatment.
Final Thoughts
Can humans get intestinal worms from dogs? Certain canine worms can infect people, but sensible hygiene and responsible parasite control can substantially reduce the risk.
Regular veterinary care, prompt removal of dog waste, handwashing, flea control, and appropriate deworming are practical ways to protect your dog while helping keep everyone in your household safer.
