Adults and children can become infected by accidentally swallowing dirt that has been contaminated with dog or cat feces that contain infectious Toxocara eggs. Although it is rare, people can also become infected from eating undercooked meat containing Toxocara larvae.
How do dogs get Toxocara?
Dogs are infected with Toxocara by: Ingesting eggs. Ingesting an intermediate host. Becoming infected while in the uterus.
How are puppies infected with Toxocara canis?
Dogs can become infected with Toxocara canis by ingesting feces or soil which is contaminated with larvae. If the dog eats an infected animal (rat, mice, birds) he may contract the roundworm. Cockroaches and earthworms may also carry roundworm larvae, which can be transmitted to the dog if they are ingested.
How do dogs pass roundworms to humans?
Roundworms do pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can result in human ingestion and infection. Roundworm eggs may accumulate in significant numbers in the soil where pets deposit feces. Once infected, the worms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people.
How are roundworms passed from one human to another?
Infection often happens from touching poop or soil that's infected with eggs and not washing hands (fecal-oral route). Pinworm infections result from touching eggs laid near the opening of the buttocks (anus). You can accidentally ingest roundworm eggs by preparing food or touching soil that's contaminated.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Where do worms in dogs live?What causes Toxocara canis in dogs?
