Is it possible to get worms from a dog?

Inveterate animal lovers indulge their four-legged friends in everything. They give you an opportunity to try ice cream, lick your cheek, and drink from a master's glass of water. But only the most health-conscious people want to know whether helminths are transmitted from dog to person and how this happens. In order not to harm yourself and other household members, let's understand the main aspects in order. So let's get started!

What helminths are transmitted to humans

Not many people know that there are more than 400 species of parasitic creatures that with great success will be able to take root in the human body, fully exist there and cause irreparable harm.

Perhaps one of the most common types of such parasites are worms. They affect all the most important systems and organs, immunity falls at an unprecedented rate. Moreover, these parasites are transmitted through the respiratory tract and with food.

However, most of the worms that exist or take root in the dog’s body do not get along in humans. They die, and then go out. But another part of the worms will successfully settle and begin to aggravate the state of health. Therefore, your question must be answered based on what kind of worms in question.

Often the most dangerous for human life are helminth eggs. They can be transmitted to humans, especially children who are in close contact with the dog and do not follow basic hygiene.

Here are the main species transmitted from the dog to its owner:

1. Coenurosis Under this unfamiliar name for many people, tapeworms are hidden, which are responsible for damage to the spinal cord and brain. Helminthic eggs enter the human body with food or water if it is contaminated with animal feces. When brain damage occurs, a person feels severe pain, pulsation in the temples. Faced with vomiting spasms, convulsive seizures and loss of consciousness against the background of a lack of oxygen and slowed blood circulation. If helminthic invasion is accompanied by damage to the spinal cord, then as a depressing stage, paralysis of the legs and the entire lower part develops.
2. Dipylidiosis. Another variety of tapeworms, which is called cucumber tapeworm. It is transmitted to the owner of the dog if the pet is infected with sick fleas in which the helminth forms. A rare occurrence, but you need to know about it. It parasitizes in the intestinal tract, due to which the stomach often hurts, the person feels sick, itching appears in the anus and accelerated salivation. If the invasion becomes severe, then iron deficiency anemia (anemia) develops. A variety of tape helminths usually enters the child’s body if the animal touches the baby’s lips or mouth with its mouth.
3. Toxocariasis. The most dangerous type of infection with larvae, during which human systems and organs are in danger. Together with the bloodstream, parasitic creatures penetrate the intestinal tract, lungs, liver and kidneys. An inflammatory process develops in the cavity of the organs, worms begin to multiply. This kind of worms can penetrate the human body through the coat of an animal or from a person’s hands, unwashed after games and training with a dog. Toxocariasis usually develops in children who play in sandboxes (this is the main source of infection). For the younger generation, this outcome is fraught with complete / partial loss of vision.
4. Echinococcosis. Echinococcus eggs often live on forest berries and plants, so you can get infected from a dog that lives in this area. The most dangerous type of ailment, as a result of which a worm cyst develops in various organs of the human body. Usually transmitted from animal hunting breeds. The treatment is long and complicated, only with the help of surgical intervention. As for the symptoms, they are different, depending on the area of ​​the lesion.
5. Teniosis The defeat of pork tapeworm, most often it develops in the digestive system of people and animals. It usually enters the body when consuming raw pig meat or rabbit meat if the animal has been infected.

How a dog becomes infected with helminths

1. Even the strongest dog with a stable immune system is exposed to infectious diseases and other injuries of internal organs throughout its life. It does not depend on gender, age or breed. It's all about the curiosity and frequent walking of pets.
2. Any contact with other dogs is a risk of infection. Games with a stick, food debris near a garbage container on the street, licking your own wool cover - this and much more can provoke the development of helminthic invasion.
3. If the owner has not accustomed the fourth pet of the family to manners from early childhood, he did not say what is bad and what is good, then the animal will pick up all the nasty things on the street. It is possible that helminth larvae can be found in the bones or meat debris.
4. Important information that affects pregnant dogs. If the expectant mother is infected with worms, eggs can enter the womb. This will lead to disastrous consequences. Also, if the bitch has already given birth, puppies can catch helminthiasis from mother’s milk or close contact with her.
5. There are many vector parasites that can infect a dog with worms. This category includes whipworms, arthropods, blocks with ticks. How do worms end up in the external environment? The eggs come out with the feces of the pet, they can be everywhere: on grass, sand, branches, plants, in the water.
6. The dog becomes infected quickly enough. It is enough to drink water not at home (for example, from a puddle), eat something from the ground on the street, eat infected meat or swallow a flea during the cleaning process.
7. It is worthwhile to understand that if you have a four-legged pet of a decorative breed, you can bring worms on outerwear or shoes. The dog will still get infected, so timely deworming is required.

How a person becomes infected with worms

1. An adult, a child, any family member can become infected with parasites from a pet during contact or through saliva. Worm eggs can be found in the animal’s hair, under the claws, in the paw pads and on any other part of the body.
2. It should not be excluded from the fact that pets are very fond of contact with all family members. The animal is always active and friendly. Also, dogs on walks come in contact with relatives, which can be affected by worms.
3. Showing his love, the pet begins to lick his hands or the face of the owner. In most cases, pets are allowed to climb onto a bed or sofa. Children also love affectionate and friendly animals. The child will always look after the dog, kiss and hug it.
4. As a result, frequent and close contact with pets provokes human infection. In this case, the dog may not even be affected by parasites. A pet can bring eggs or larvae on its own wool from the street.
5. Parasites can be present on furniture, home furnishings, carpets, clothes, floors, or children's toys. That is why it is necessary to observe the rules of basic hygiene. If the dog is infected with parasites, larvae or eggs, they will quickly enter the human body. Further worms will only develop.
6. Also, the risk of damage to the human body is significantly increased if the animal is kept in poor conditions. The owner simply can not give the dog proper care and attention. That is why helminth prophylaxis should be carried out regularly. Follow the rules of feeding.
7. Often worms appear in an animal due to a poor diet. If you give the dog raw sea or river fish, meat, and offal that have not been cooked, there is a high risk of parasite damage. Therefore, do not, then wonder like that.
8. Keep in mind that often the damage to the body occurs in the warm season. It is this time for parasites is considered the most favorable. In warm time, worms begin to multiply actively. It is worth noting that in the early stages, the symptoms of parasite damage to the animal are difficult to detect. However, a person may also become infected.

Consequences of infection

1. Even experienced owners of four-legged friends may not always be aware of whether worms are transmitted to humans. Helminths do not live in animal hair, but eggs may be contained in such an environment. The risk of infection in this case is significantly increased by contact with the dog.
2. Worms are equally dangerous for the animal, and for humans. Helminths enter the body, provoking the development of serious intestinal pathologies and internal bleeding. Diarrhea appears, the anus becomes inflamed, body weight decreases.
3. In rare cases, it is possible to observe damage to the human eye and skin. Such consequences are especially dangerous for young children. Due to parasites, the child may become blind. Therefore, take the necessary measures in a timely manner.

If the animal is affected by helminths, a person can easily become infected. Even with regular dog prophylaxis, it can bring parasites into the house on itself. Be sure to follow the rules of hygiene. Do not let children kiss pets. Systematic prevention of the entire family from helminths and other parasites will not be out of place.

Video: can a person get worms from a domestic cat or dog?