Yes, pets can transmit certain stomach worms—specifically roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms—to humans. This occurs through contact with contaminated feces, soil, or accidentally ingesting infected larvae. Children and the immunocompromised are at highest risk, though infections are relatively uncommon with proper pet hygiene.

How likely is it to get worms from your pet?

While it can happen, it's rare for humans to contract worms from dogs and it usually happens when exposed directly to an infected dog's poop. Dogs are very much the same way, as they commonly only get worms from exposure to an infected dog's poop.

What kind of worms can humans get from pets?

Can roundworms and hookworms infect people? Yes. These worms, like other infections that humans can get from animals, are called zoonotic (zoe-o-NOT-ick) infections or zoonoses (zoe-o-NO-sees). By learning about these infections and how to prevent them, you can help protect your pets, yourself, and your family.

Can I get roundworms if my dog licks me?

It's highly unlikely to get roundworms from a dog licking you, as transmission usually requires ingesting mature eggs from contaminated soil or feces, but it's not impossible, as eggs could be in saliva; however, good hygiene, like washing hands after handling pets and their waste, is the key prevention, though other infections (like bacteria/viruses) can spread via licks.

How likely is it for a human to get roundworms?

It's quite common for humans, especially children, to encounter roundworms via contaminated soil or pet feces, with estimates suggesting around 14% of the U.S. population has been exposed, though most cases are mild; however, the risk increases significantly with travel to developing nations or poor sanitation, where infections like Ascaris lumbricoides are widespread, affecting millions globally. 

Can You Get Worms from Your Pet?

Can I cuddle with my dog if he has worms?

Yes, you can generally cuddle your dog if they have worms, but you must practice strict hygiene like washing hands thoroughly after petting and before eating, and immediately clean up any feces to prevent transmission, as some worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) can pass to humans, especially children or immunocompromised individuals. The biggest risk isn't from cuddling itself, but from accidentally ingesting eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, feces, or fleas.
 

Can I check myself for worms?

Conduct a "tape test". Press the sticky side of clear tape against the skin near the anus to collect pinworm eggs. First thing in the morning is the best time, before the person washes, goes to the bathroom, or gets dressed. Do this three mornings in a row.

How do I deworm myself?

How is a worm infection treated? The treatment for threadworms is worming tablets, which are available from the pharmacy. The whole household should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. When taking the medicine, you should also ensure you follow strict hygiene practices to prevent reinfestation.

Should you deworm yourself if you have pets?

Promote good hygiene and prevents the transmission of disease and worms. Do not feed pets raw meat to your pets as these may be a source of Tapeworms. It is always a good idea to deworm yourself and your family on a yearly basis especially when you have young children.

What are the first signs of hookworms in humans?

Early signs of hookworms often start with an itchy, red rash or blisters (ground itch) where larvae enter the skin (usually feet), followed by digestive issues like abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, and fatigue as adult worms establish in the intestines. A mild cough, wheezing, or fever can occur if larvae travel through the lungs, but many people, especially with light infections, may have no symptoms initially.
 

Can I get worms if my dog sleeps with me?

FAQs. Can I get worms from my dog sleeping in my bed? Many worms that infest dogs are zoonotic, meaning they can cause disease in people, but people are usually infested by contact with eggs or juvenile worms in the environment rather than direct contact with the dog.

Can your cat give you worms?

Cats can carry several types of intestinal worms, some of which have zoonotic potential—meaning they can infect people.

How contagious is having worms?

Worms are mainly spread in small bits of poo from people with a worm infection. Some are caught from food. You can get infected by: touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them – if someone with worms does not wash their hands.

What are the first signs of stomach worms?

Early signs of intestinal worms often involve digestive issues like unexplained diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes weight loss or fatigue, with pinworms causing intense anal itching (especially at night) and visible small, white worms in stool. Other signs can include general weakness, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and sometimes seeing worm segments or eggs in your feces.
 

How do you flush worms out of your body?

If you have worms, a GP will prescribe medicine to kill them. You take this for 1 to 3 days. The people you live with may also need to be treated. Any worms in your gut will eventually pass out in your poo.

Should I go to the ER if I think I have worms?

If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, seek medical help immediately. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the infection and prescribe treatment that will kill the parasites, which often includes involve taking medication orally or applying a topical ointment.

How long do you have worms before you know?

Eggs can pass to other people when they touch these surfaces and then touch their mouth. The eggs can survive up to 2 weeks. The larvae hatch from the eggs in your gut after you swallow them, and take 1 to 2 months to mature into threadworms.

Can stomach worms go away on their own?

Will intestinal worms go away on their own? Yes, they can go away on their own, but if you suspect an intestinal worm infection, it's highly recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

How likely am I to get worms from my dog?

The chances of getting worms from your dog are low but real, primarily through accidentally ingesting microscopic eggs from contaminated soil or feces, with roundworms (Toxocara) being the most common risk, especially for children playing in parks. Direct contact like a dog licking you isn't usually how roundworms spread, as eggs need time to mature, but proper hygiene (handwashing, cleaning up poop) and regular vet care (deworming, fecal tests) significantly lower the risk for both pets and people.
 

Should I wash my bedding if my dog has worms?

It is essential to keep your pet's living area clean, bathe and groom them regularly, remove feces regularly, and if you notice tapeworm segments on a pet's bedding, to wash that bedding with HOT water.

Can dogs give you worms if they lick you?

Good Hygiene Practices: Teach everyone in the household, especially children, the importance of washing their hands thoroughly after handling dogs or cleaning up after them. Avoid letting dogs lick faces or hands, as this can also transmit worm eggs.

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