Can my dog's hookworms or roundworms spread to me or my family?

I have attached a handout below with more information for you. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1530 Hookworm eggs are not immediately infectious, so there is no need to wash sheets and bedding. Similarly, there isn't any need to wear gloves when petting Lady or wipe the floor. Humans are most commonly infected from soil that is contaminated with hookworm larvae, so it would not be recommended to go outside barefoot to help prevent infection. Here is more information on humans. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/hookworm/index.html The best way to prevent infection to yourself or other dogs is to keep Lady and any other dogs on a monthy heartworm preventative that also includes a dewormer for hookworms. And right now, be sure to pick up her stool immediately after she goes, so the eggs don't have time to hatch and get into the soil Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching any fecal material. It is unlikely that you would get hookworms from Phoenix's mouth unless she very recently ate her dog stool. Here is some more information: http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/hookworms/

There are intestinal parasites that are contagious to humans. These are hookworms and roundworms. They are contagious via fecal oral contact. Cleaning with regular cleaning products should take care of the problem. And also washing your hands before you eat. I have been in the veterinary profession for 16 years and have never gotten parasites myself. More than likely as long as you're cleaning regularly and washing your hands, you should be OK. Good luck!

There are certain worms that can be transmitted from dogs to people, but it's not easy. However, there is a particular concern with kids getting Toxocariasis. If the worms were diagnosed by a veterinarian, then she should be able to find out the species of worms that were discovered and let you know if they are a concern. Below is a link to some good information about the risk of transmission of the common worm for puppies to have. cdc.gov/parasites/toxocariasis/gen_info/faqs.html I hope that helps and all is well with everyone.

Hello there! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is highly unlikely that you would get hookworms from that type of contact. The most common route of transmission is fecal-oral. Meaning ingesting fecal material. This can happen unintentionally if small particles are on your hands and you put them to your mouth. Theoretically, if Leo has some fecal material on his paw, that got on your eye and you wiped it away and then put your fingers in your mouth or on your lips you could possibly get hookworms. But again pretty unlikely. But it is important to point out that you wash your hands thoroughly after picking up his bowel movements to prevent this. Make sure to follow your vet's recommendation for the deworming protocol for these types of worms as they most often need more than 1 dose. I always recommend a follow fecal test after the treatment to make sure he is negative and the infestation is cleared. I hope you found this helpful and helps put your mind at ease. I wish you and Leo all the best!

Yes, there are certain types of worms that can be passed from dogs to humans. These worms are contracted from exposure to dog feces. The eggs (microscopic) are passed in the feces and will become infective in the environment. However, you would have to get close enough to ingest or inhale the eggs for it to infect you. Hookworms, however, will actually penetrate the skin if you are exposed to them. The good news is that you can help prevent them from being infective by cleaning up the feces soon after your dog defecates. If you clean it up within 24 hours, then it will reduce the likelihood of the eggs/larva being infective. Also, it's best not to go barefooted around the dog poop. If there is any contact, you can prevent infection by simply washing the contaminated area. Generally, worm eggs and larva like warm (not hot) and humid environments. The southeast U.S. tends to have the biggest issues with them. I hope that helps.

Round worms are most commonly contracted from walking around barefoot outside and if you step in feces or fecal residue. I would try to pick up his stool outside and I would not walk around barefoot outside. I hope this helps.