The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Rarely, humans can contract tapeworms if they accidentally consume an infected flea (for example, after petting your flea-infested pet). A certain species of tapeworms, i Echinococcus multilocularis, can cause alveolar echinocccosis in dogs and humans.
How likely is it to get a parasite 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 you get worms by petting a dog?
The short answer is yes, many worms infesting dogs are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Different worms cause different diseases, and each have their own symptoms.
Can a person get parasites from a dog?
If my dog or cat has intestinal worms, how can these parasites infect humans? Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of pets and the most likely to be transmitted to humans. Humans can accidentally ingest infective worm eggs that have been passed through the pet's feces and left in the environment.
Can you pick up parasites from dogs?
Intestinal parasites can affect your adult cat or dog, who can pick them up in unsanitary outdoor areas or from wildlife. Until your pet is dewormed for parasites, your family can be at risk of zoonotic parasitic infections.
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