If you’re bringing a new puppy into your home, you’re likely already thinking about all the fun things you’ll do together. But it’s also important to be aware of potential health concerns, including intestinal worms. Worms are very common in puppies, and it’s not unusual for them to get infected.
But are puppy worms contagious to humans? That’s what we’ll explore in this article.
It’s crucial to understand the risks associated with puppy worms and how to protect yourself and your family. We’ll cover common types of worms found in puppies, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, and discuss how they can potentially spread to humans.
What are worms, and why are they a concern?
Parasitic worms are organisms that live inside another animal (the host) and feed off its nutrients. They essentially steal the food your puppy needs to grow and thrive.
Worms can cause a whole host of problems for puppies, including weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and a general lack of energy. Because puppies are still developing, they’re especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of these parasites.
It’s also important to know that some types of worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. This is a particular concern for pet owners with young children, who may be more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil or feces.
Common Types of Puppy Worms and How They Spread
Lots of puppies get worms. Here’s a look at some of the most common types and how they spread.
Roundworms
Roundworms are super common in puppies. In fact, many puppies are infected with roundworms before they’re even born, either in utero or from their mother’s milk.
Roundworm eggs can survive in the soil for years, so puppies can easily pick them up by eating dirt or anything else that’s been contaminated.
Hookworms
Hookworms can cause anemia and skin irritation in puppies.
Puppies can get hookworms when the larvae penetrate their skin or when they ingest larvae from the environment.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are different from other worms because they need an intermediate host, usually fleas.
Puppies get tapeworms when they swallow an infected flea, often while grooming.
Whipworms
Whipworms can cause inflammation and diarrhea in dogs.
Puppies contract whipworms by ingesting eggs from contaminated soil or other surfaces.
Heartworms
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that mainly affects adult dogs.
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites, so prevention is key. Vets usually recommend preventative medication and annual testing to protect dogs from heartworms.
Are puppy worms contagious to humans?
Sadly, some of the worms that plague puppies can also infect humans. Here’s a quick rundown.
Roundworms and human risk
Roundworms are a common parasite in puppies, and humans can contract them by accidentally ingesting roundworm eggs. These microscopic eggs can lurk in contaminated soil and on any surface that’s come into contact with infected feces. Kids playing in the dirt are particularly vulnerable.
Once ingested, roundworm larvae can migrate through the body, causing a condition called visceral larva migrans (VLM). VLM can affect organs like the liver, lungs, and brain, leading to serious health problems.
Hookworms and human risk
Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that can make puppies miserable, and they’re also a risk to humans. Unlike roundworms, hookworm larvae can directly penetrate human skin, usually through bare feet coming into contact with contaminated soil. So, walking barefoot in areas where infected animals have been is a no-no.
Once inside the body, hookworm larvae migrate under the skin, causing cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). This condition results in intensely itchy, winding red tracks on the skin, which can be quite uncomfortable and irritating.
Tapeworms and human risk
Tapeworm infections in humans are less common, but they can still occur. Typically, humans get tapeworms by accidentally ingesting infected fleas, which can happen more easily than you think. (Think about how often your hands come into contact with your pet!)
There’s also a risk of hydatid tapeworm, which can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening condition called hydatid disease in humans. Hydatid disease can cause cysts to form in the liver, lungs, and other organs.
Other worms and human risk
Good news: Whipworms and heartworms are not directly contagious to humans.
How can I tell if my puppy has worms?
Worms can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms in puppies. General signs of a worm infestation include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- A pot-bellied appearance
Different types of worms can cause specific symptoms. For example, hookworms can lead to anemia, while tapeworm infestations may result in visible segments of the worm in your puppy’s poop.
It’s crucial to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian. The symptoms above can also indicate other illnesses, and a vet can accurately identify the type of worm affecting your puppy and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How are worms in puppies diagnosed, treated, and prevented?
If you suspect your puppy has worms, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. Here’s what you can expect in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Diagnosing worms
To diagnose a worm infestation, your veterinarian will ask you to bring in a fresh stool sample from your puppy. Vets can look at the sample under a microscope to search for worm eggs.
Blood tests can detect heartworms, but these are more commonly performed on adult dogs.
Treating worms
Deworming medications, also known as anthelmintics, are used to treat worms. These medications come in both oral and injectable forms.
It’s important to get a prescription from your veterinarian and to follow their dosage instructions carefully. Always read the medication label before giving it to your dog, and pay special attention to the age, weight, and dosage guidelines.
Preventing worms
Regular deworming is key to preventing worms in puppies. Deworming usually begins when puppies are around 2 weeks old, and it continues every two to three weeks until they’re weaned from their mother’s milk.
Your vet can also advise you on flea and heartworm prevention strategies.
Finally, be sure to keep your dog’s environment clean by cleaning up after them promptly.
Protecting yourself and your family
The best way to protect yourself and your family from puppy worms is through vigilance and good hygiene.
- Practice good hygiene. Wear disposable gloves when you handle your dog’s poop and always wash your hands afterward with soap and hot water. Teach kids to do the same!
- Clean up pet waste immediately. Don’t let it sit around in the yard, at the park, or on the sidewalk.
- Wear shoes outside. This will reduce the risk of hookworm infection.
- Take your puppy to the vet regularly. Regular vet visits can help diagnose and treat worm infections early.
With a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks of parasitic worms.
Key Takeaways
Worms are common in puppies, and some can spread to people. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect your puppy and your family.
You can prevent worms from spreading by giving your puppy deworming medication as directed by your veterinarian, practicing good hygiene (especially handwashing), and taking your puppy for regular checkups.
As a pet owner, you’re responsible for the health of your furry friends and the people around you. By taking the right precautions, you can keep everyone safe and healthy.