Dogs and cats infected with these worms contaminate an area by passing worm eggs or larvae in their feces poop. A dog or cat can be infected when they swallow dirt with dog or cat feces that has worm eggs or larvae.
These worms, like other infections that humans can get from animals, are called zoonotic zoe-o-NOT-ick infections or zoonoses zoe-o-NO-sees. By learning about these infections and how to prevent them, you can help protect your pets, yourself, and your family. Dogs and cats with these worms pass worm eggs or larvae in their feces poop.
Because pets will pass feces anywhere, these eggs may contaminate a large area quickly. These worm eggs and larvae can survive for weeks and even years in areas such as parks, playgrounds, and yards.
Roundworms enter the body when ingested as worm eggs that soon hatch into larvae. These larvae travel through the liver, lungs, and other organs. However, in some cases they can cause damage to tissue.
Sometimes they affect the nerves or even make their way to the eyes. In some cases, they may cause permanent nerve or eye damage, even blindness. Hookworm larvae typically move around within the skin causing inflammation and red, itchy tracks in the affected skin. It may not be obvious even if your puppy or dog has roundworms, and yet people can be infected by them. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a regular program of preventative treatment starting with puppies at two weeks of age.
Dogs should have fecal stool exams 2 to 4 times in their first year of life and once or twice a year thereafter. The best way to control roundworms is to be sure to use a parasite control product recommended by your veterinarian every month. How will roundworms affect my dog? How do I prevent my dog from getting roundworms?
Can humans be harmed by roundworms? Did you know? People can get roundworms from contact with feces or contaminated soil. Children and pregnant women are especially at risk. Most dogs get roundworms at sometime in their lives. As a result, puppies should be treated when very young and both the mother and puppies need regular preventive treatment. Hookworm larvae can also burrow into your skin if you walk across a contaminated area in your bare feet.
Signs of hookworm are a mild to severe itchy rash and visible track marks on your skin where the larvae have burrowed in. Hookworms can lead to a serious intestinal infection that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal problems and even anemia due to loss of blood. To avoid the risk of a hookworm infection, treat your pet against worms and avoid walking barefoot outside. For more information about how to treat worms in dogs and cats, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
To learn more about the symptoms of worms in cats and dogs you may also want to consult the following links:. If you suspect your pet may have worms, make an appointment to discuss treatment and prevention options with your veterinarian. Our Products. Master Brand. Share on. Intro Text. Yes, humans can contract worms from cats and dogs, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Roundworms Humans can pick up roundworms from a variety of places, including contaminated soil or feces where roundworm eggs have accumulated.
From the soil Roundworm eggs can survive in soil for up years and can even endure Canadian winters. Tapeworms Tapeworms are segmented worms that live in the intestine.
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