Can Dogs Pass Tapeworms to Humans? Understanding the Risks and Prevention

As a dog owner I’ve always worried about those nasty parasites our furry friends can pick up. One question that comes up a lot is whether tapeworms from dogs can be passed to humans. The short answer? Yes they can – and in some cases, the consequences can be deadly serious.

The Tapeworm Threat: More Serious Than You Might Think

Let’s get straight to the most alarming fact certain tapeworms carried by dogs can not only infect humans but potentially kill us This isn’t meant to scare you, but rather to highlight why understanding this parasite is so important for pet owners.

The tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis is particularly concerning. This parasite normally lives in wild animals like coyotes, foxes, and rodents, but can infect dogs and cats – and subsequently humans.

Until recently human cases in North America were extremely rare. However in 2017, four people in Alberta were infected with this potentially deadly parasite. This marked a significant change, as no domestically acquired human case had been reported in Canada since 1928, with only one case reported in the contiguous United States.

How Dogs Get Tapeworms

Dogs typically get infected with tapeworms in two main ways:

1. Ingesting infected fleas – When a dog grooms itself and accidentally swallows a flea carrying tapeworm eggs
2. Consuming raw meat – When a dog eats raw meat contaminated with tapeworm eggs or consumes infected rodents

In the case of E. multilocularis, dogs can become infected by:

• Eating infected rodents
• Coming into contact with coyote, fox, or wolf scat containing tapeworm eggs
• Visiting areas where infected wild canids (like coyotes) frequent, including dog parks

How Tapeworms Transfer from Dogs to Humans

Now for the big question – how do these parasites jump from your dog to you? There are several ways humans can contract tapeworms from their pets:

1. Direct Contact with Infected Feces

A person who comes in contact with the faeces of an infected dog (that is, when eggs from the tapeworm are passed in the faeces) may develop hydatid disease. This is serious and potentially fatal. Infection with tapeworm eggs causes cysts to form in vital organs such as the liver and lungs.

2. Fecal-Oral Route

The most common way tapeworms are transmitted is through what doctors call the “fecal-oral route.” This means:

• Accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs after touching infected dog feces
• Not washing hands properly after picking up after your dog
• Children playing in areas where dogs defecate and then putting their hands in their mouths

3. Flea Ingestion

Surprisingly, you can get tapeworms by accidentally swallowing a flea carrying tapeworm larvae. This might happen when:

• An infected flea jumps from your pet to you
• You’re in close contact with your pet’s bedding where infected fleas might be present

4. Physical Contact

Some tapeworms can transfer when:

• You stroke the fur of an infested dog, picking up microscopic eggs on your hands
• Your dog licks you after licking its infected anal area
• You allow your infected pet to sleep on your bed, leaving eggs on bedding

Different Types of Tapeworms and Their Dangers

Not all tapeworms pose the same level of risk to humans. There are two main species that can transfer from pets to humans:

Dipylidium caninum

• Most common tapeworm found in both dogs and cats
• Can be passed when an infected pet licks you
• Can transmit if a human accidentally swallows an infected flea
• Generally causes mild symptoms in humans

Echinococcus multilocularis

• Much more dangerous to humans
• Can be transferred when petting an infected dog’s fur
• Eggs can be picked up from contaminated environments
• Behaves very differently in humans than in dogs

What Happens When Humans Get Infected?

In dogs, tapeworms typically live in the intestines and cause symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. But when humans are infected, the outcome can be very different – especially with E. multilocularis.

In humans, this tapeworm doesn’t just stay in the intestines. Instead:

• It can invade the liver and spread throughout the abdomen
• It behaves similar to a tumor, growing and invading organs
• Without early detection and aggressive treatment, the infection has a 50-75% mortality rate
• The risk is even higher for people with compromised immune systems

The disease caused by this tapeworm is known as alveolar echinococcosis, and it requires both surgical removal of the parasitic mass and long-term antiparasitic medications.

Warning Signs and Emerging Trends

Several concerning trends are emerging regarding tapeworms:

1. Increasing Geographic Spread: E. multilocularis is being found in new regions where it wasn’t previously established.

2. European Strains in North America: Researchers have discovered European-type strains of the parasite in North American wildlife, suggesting it was introduced through imported dogs.

3. Urban Presence: The parasite has been detected in urban and suburban environments, including university campuses and city dog parks.

4. Rising Dog Cases: The liver form of E. multilocularis (which is deadly to dogs) has been increasingly reported in pets across Canada and parts of the United States.

How to Protect Your Family and Pets

Despite these worrying facts, there’s plenty you can do to protect both your family and your pets:

For Your Dog:

• Regular Deworming: Use veterinarian-prescribed deworming medications on a monthly basis for high-risk pets
• Specialized Treatment: Ensure the dewormer specifically targets tapeworms (many monthly heartworm or tick medications don’t include anti-tapeworm drugs)
• Keep Dogs Leashed: Prevent them from eating rodents or coming into contact with wild canid feces
• Avoid Raw Diets: Raw feeding increases tapeworm risk unless properly handled
• Flea Control: Maintain good flea control since fleas can carry certain tapeworms

For Your Family:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after petting animals or gardening
• Supervise Children: Teach kids proper hygiene around pets
• Clean Produce: Rinse berries, herbs, greens, and wild mushrooms that might be contaminated
• Filter Water: When camping, filter surface water before drinking
• Regular Pet Checkups: Ensure your pet receives regular veterinary care to catch infections early

Common Questions About Tapeworms

Can humans get tapeworms from dogs by just petting them?

While the risk is low, it is possible for humans to get tapeworms from dogs through close contact. Always wash hands after handling pets.

Can tapeworms be transmitted through dog saliva?

Tapeworms are typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, so the risk from saliva is minimal. However, if a dog has licked its infected anal area and then licks you, transmission is possible.

Are children more at risk?

Yes, children may be at higher risk due to their closer interactions with pets and less consistent hygiene practices. Supervise children around pets and teach proper handwashing.

How easily can tapeworms in dogs be treated?

Tapeworm infections in dogs can be effectively treated with appropriate deworming medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Regular treatment is key to prevention.

Do I need to worry if my dog only stays in my yard?

Even dogs that stay in your yard can be exposed if wildlife like coyotes, foxes, or rodents visit your property. Urban and suburban areas increasingly have wildlife that can carry these parasites.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you suspect you or a family member has been infected with a tapeworm, seek medical attention if you notice:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Digestive problems
• Weakness or fatigue
• Segments that look like rice grains in stool

For pets, watch for:

• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Scooting or licking the anal area
• Visible segments in stool or around the anal area
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Final Thoughts

The relationship between our pets and parasites is complex, and while the risk of getting tapeworms from your dog isn’t something to panic about, it deserves serious attention. With proper hygiene, regular veterinary care, and preventative measures, you can keep both your two-legged and four-legged family members safe.

Remember – prevention is always better than treatment, especially when dealing with a parasite that could potentially be life-threatening. Talk to your vet about the best deworming schedule for your pet based on your lifestyle and environment.

Stay safe, stay informed, and give your pup a pat from me (after washing your hands, of course)!