Worms aren't just a dog problem
Most dog owners know to give their dog a worming tablet every so often. Fewer realise why it matters so much for the rest of the household. Some of the worms that live in dogs can also infect people, and children are the most at risk.
The good news is that infections in people are uncommon, and they're largely preventable with a few simple habits. Here's what New Zealand dog owners should know about how worms spread, what to look out for and how to keep your family safe.
Can you get worms from your dog in New Zealand?
Yes, you can. Several of the intestinal worms found in New Zealand dogs are zoonotic, which means they can pass from animals to people. The main ones to know about are roundworm and hookworm, with tapeworm a less common concern.
It's important to keep this in perspective. Human infections aren't common, and most people who live with dogs never have a problem. But because the consequences can occasionally be serious, especially for young children, it's worth understanding the risk and taking sensible precautions.
How do dog worms spread to people?
It rarely happens through cuddling or patting your dog. Most infections come from the environment, particularly soil and grass where an infected dog has been to the toilet.
Dogs with worms pass eggs or larvae in their poo. Those eggs end up in the lawn, garden beds and sandpits, and some types can survive in soil for a long time. People are then infected by:
- Swallowing eggs after touching contaminated soil, then touching their mouth
- Eating unwashed vegetables from a contaminated garden
- Walking barefoot on ground where hookworm larvae are present
That's why children are most at risk. They play on the ground, put their hands in their mouths and are less reliable with handwashing. A backyard where dog poo is left lying around is exactly the kind of place where that exposure happens.
What types of dog worms can affect humans?
Roundworm is the most significant. In rare cases, if a person swallows roundworm eggs, the larvae can travel through the body and affect organs or, very rarely, the eyes. Puppies commonly carry roundworm, which is why young dogs need frequent worming.
Hookworm larvae can burrow into bare skin, causing an itchy, red, winding rash. It usually clears up, but it's uncomfortable and easily avoided by wearing shoes in the yard.
Tapeworm can occasionally infect people, usually through accidentally swallowing an infected flea. Keeping your dog's flea treatment up to date helps prevent it.
What are the symptoms of worms in humans?
Many people have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they depend on the type of worm and might include:
- Tummy pain, nausea or diarrhoea
- An itchy, raised, wandering rash on the feet or legs
- Tiredness or a general feeling of being unwell
- In rare cases, cough, fever or changes to vision
If you or your child has symptoms and you're worried about a possible link to your dog, see your doctor and mention that you have pets. They can arrange the right tests.
How do you stop dog worms affecting your family?
Prevention is simple and works well.
- Worm your dog regularly, following your vet's advice for their age and lifestyle
- Treat for fleas to reduce the risk of tapeworm
- Pick up dog poo from the yard at least weekly, and more often if you have children
- Cover sandpits when they're not in use
- Wash hands after gardening, playing outside or handling your dog
- Wear shoes in the backyard
- Wash vegetables from the garden thoroughly
Regular scooping is one of the most effective steps, because it removes the source before eggs have a chance to contaminate the soil. Part of our job is keeping an eye on what we pick up. If we spot signs like worms or blood in a dog's poo, we let the owner know so they can check in with their vet.
How often should you worm your dog in NZ?
Worming schedules depend on your dog's age and lifestyle, so your vet is the best person to set one. As a general guide, puppies are wormed frequently in their first months, because many are born with roundworm or pick it up from their mother. Adult dogs are usually wormed every few months, and more often if they live with young children, eat raw meat or spend a lot of time in parks and on beaches.
It's easy to lose track, so set a reminder on your phone or calendar. Some owners line it up with flea treatment so both happen on the same day each month or season.
Worming treats an existing infection, but it doesn't stop a dog picking up new worms from contaminated ground the very next day. That's why worming and regular scooping work best together. One deals with the dog, the other deals with the environment, and between them they break the cycle.
If you have more than one dog or a cat, treat all your pets on the same schedule. Parasites pass easily between animals that share a yard.
Pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and households with toddlers may want to take extra care. In these homes, scooping more often, keeping children's play areas separate from the dog's toilet spot and being strict about handwashing all add a useful layer of protection.
A healthy yard for the whole family
Dog worms transferring to people is uncommon, but it's easily prevented. Regular worming, good hygiene and a clean backyard keep the risk low for children and adults alike, and let everyone enjoy the yard with confidence.
If you'd like help keeping your backyard clean and safe, PooPals scoops yards across Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Porirua on a regular schedule. We grid search the whole yard, sanitise and deodorise, and let you know if we spot any health warning signs.