Many pet owners fear for their own health specifically in terms of getting worms from their pets. It should be pointed out that while anyone can get worms from their pets, it is unlikely, but children are at the greatest risk.

This information is mostly in regards to getting worms from pet cats, and pet dogs.

Roundworm

Roundworms are one of the most common worms in cats and dogs. Roundworm is spread from pets to humans by eggs. The eggs are in the feces of the pet and can live for years in the environment, such as the lawn or in the sandbox, even after the feces themselves are removed. This is a concern for young children that are prone to putting things in their mouth, or who eat without washing their hands. Once ingested, the eggs hatch and the worms grow.

Also note that the eggs must be in the environment for at least 10 days before being ingested in order for them to infect an individual. As such you have little to fear from roundworms when handling fresh feces, or as the result of direct contact with pets and animals.

The best ways to prevent roundworms from being transferred from pet to human are by worming the pet regularly, and by cleaning up feces immediately - before they start to break down and allow the eggs to enter the environment. Cats should be provided with a litter box as this does reduce the amount of times they defecate outside. Sandboxes should be kept covered when not in use. People need to get into the habit of washing their hands after being in the yard and before eating.

Hookworm

Hookworm is only common in tropical areas, and is associated with dogs more than cats. Hookworm eggs are in the feces and the larvae make their way onto grass. If a person stands barefoot, or lays with their skin exposed, on the grass where hookworm larvae are, the larvae make their way into the skin – causing a rash.

Prevention is best done by worming your dog in ares where hookworm is a problem and sitting on towels rather than directly on grass, when in parks and places frequented by dogs.

Tapeworm

Tapeworm is often spread by fleas. The flea can carry the eggs of the tapeworm. As such any animal with fleas may have tapeworms. People (with the exception of toddlers) are unlikely to eat fleas so this risk is very low

Tapeworm segments sometimes break off and get stuck to a pet's tail, they would look like a grain of rice. Eating such a segment could result in a human contracting a tape worm.

Tapeworm can be prevented in pets by keeping them free of fleas. If found to have tapeworm, proper wormer specifically for tapeworm should be used, and in most places is only available through a veterinarian.

Heartworm

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Humans rarely are infected with heartworm, so this is generally not a realistic fear. Preventing heartworm in pets is important because it can be fatal.

Ringworm

Ringworm is not a worm, it is a fungus. Ringworm can be transferred from pets to people, and visa versa. Ringworm prefers moist areas of the skin and dislikes sun. Ringworm is treated with a fungicide. Use gloves then treating your pet so you do not spread it to yourself, or other pets.

Other Information:

It is best to worm your cats and dogs regularly for their own health. 

Learn more about how cats and dogs get worms.

Your veterinarian can use a stool sample to test if your pet has worms, and what kinds, do not assume you will see worms in the feces.

Be aware that not all worm medication kills all kinds of worms.

Remember to instruct children to wash their hands after playing in the sandbox, and before eating.

Join Knoji, click here to become a writer.