Toxocariasis (tox-oh-keh-RYE-eh-sis) is a human infection caused by a type of worm that can live in the intestines of dogs and cats. It is most common in young children and pet owners, but anyone can get it.
Can my dog give my toddler worms?
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be wonderful companions, but they may harbor parasites (worms) that can cause disease in people. Parasites spread from animals to people when people come into accidental contact with the parasite's eggs or larvae.
How likely is it to get worms from your dog?
In most cases, a person has to ingest parasite-laden feces in order to contract worms from an animal. Good common sense and hygiene greatly reduces the risk, Weese said. “The risk is never zero,” Weese said, “but I'm not convinced it's any higher for a vet than someone that goes for a walk in the park.”
Can dogs pass worms to babies?
Dogs and people can become infected by accidentally swallowing roundworm eggs from the environment. In addition, worms can cross through the placenta, milk, or colostrum of a mother dog, passing the infection to her puppies.
How often do kids get worms from dogs?
Scientists have told us for years that "there is a very slight pet-related risk concerning contagion of these organisms from pets to people." But current information from the National Centers for Disease Control reveals that about 10,000 children in the United States are infected annually with roundworms from dogs and ...
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