Identify Pet Parasites, Prevent Infection in People and Dog

Roundworms and Hookworms infect humans like no other pet disease, most pet owners don't know simple medication prevents harmful disease to family & friends.

Prevention. Prevent pet infection with regular vet visits for worm treatment. Remember to wash hands well with soap after playing with any pet or outdoor activity, most importantly before eating. Pet living quarters should be cleaned weekly, bury or dispose bagged feces in the garbage. Children are at high risk just being at ground level playing and examining soil or surfaces around them. Of course we know children shouldn't be allowed to play in pet areas where urine puddles or feces landmines can be found. We also know that it's dangerous for children to eat soil/dirt.

Roundworms. Acquired through ingestion. Very large white worms, when mature, reside in pet's intestine. Roundworms consume nutrients from the pet and lay eggs, may be seen in the feces. Bad infestations lead to pet discomfort.

Hookworms. Acquired through ingestion. Can be born with the parasite passed on from their mothers. Hookworms grasp onto the inner surface of the pet's small intestine with their teeth to pierce a blood vessel. They can also penetrate skin and enter the body.

Hookworm Infection. Although not the desired food source, hookworms can end up in human bodies. They thrive outside of the body in moist soil or sand, preferably warm. Main reason why our pets are not permitted on seasonal public beaches.

Larvae can penetrate a person's skin, or not knowingly be consumed by touching a surface where eggs are present. Humans are not a natural host, larvae wiggle beneath the skin and die, never making it to our intestines. However, people get an inflammatory reaction.

Disease Symptoms. Toxocariasis symptoms include Ocular Larva Migraines (OLM), an eye disease that can cause blindness. A microscopic worm enters the eye causing inflammation and forms a scar on the retina. People who are infected with the Toxacara parasite can experience permanent partial loss of vision. Longer exposure to Toxocara can lead to Visceral Larva Migraines (VLM). These symptoms include swelling of the body's organs or central nervous system, specifically fever, coughing, asthma, or pneumonia. How does this happen? Worms are moving through the body.

Zoonotic - Animal to Human. People generally get infected by frequenting where animals/pets tend to soil frequently. Present in the animal stool, parasite eggs contaminate the environment. A child or adult can become infected after accidentally ingesting infectious eggs in soil or other contaminated surfaces. Eggs hatch in larvae producing the symptoms.

So, what was the PREVENTION to avoid Roundworm and Hookworm parasite infection?

About the Author.  Debbie Readinger is the writer, webmaster of ForDogOwners.com