Can Humans Catch Worms from Pets?

Worms are a common concern for pet owners, and it is very natural to wonder whether your dog, cat or small pet could pass them on to your family. The reassuring news is that while some pet parasites can affect humans, the risk can usually be kept low with sensible hygiene, regular preventative treatments, and good pet care.

At Vetscriptions, we know that parasite prevention can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to protect both your pet and your household. Understanding how worms spread, what the real risks are, and how to reduce them can help you make informed decisions without unnecessary worry.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

Can people catch worms from pets?

Yes, in some cases humans can catch certain worms from pets. This is known as a zoonotic infection, which simply means an infection that can pass from animals to people. However, this does not mean that every pet with worms will infect people in the home.

Most worm infections are preventable, and transmission usually depends on contact with worm eggs, larvae, or contaminated faeces rather than simply stroking or living with a pet. In practice, good handwashing, cleaning up after pets promptly, and using the right worming treatment regularly make a very big difference.

Which worms can be passed from pets to humans?

Not all worms carried by pets are a significant risk to people, but there are a few parasites that UK pet owners should be aware of.

Roundworms

Roundworms are one of the most important worm types when it comes to human health. Dogs and cats can carry roundworms, and their eggs are passed in faeces. These eggs can contaminate soil, gardens, litter trays, or other areas where pets toilet.

If a person accidentally swallows the microscopic eggs, infection can occur. Young children are at particular risk because they may put their hands in their mouths after playing outdoors or handling contaminated items.

In rare cases, roundworm larvae can move through the body and cause illness. Although this is uncommon, it is one of the reasons why regular worming and good hygiene matter so much.

Hookworms

Hookworms are less commonly discussed than roundworms, but they can also affect humans. The larvae may be present in contaminated environments and, in some cases, can penetrate the skin. This is more likely in warm or heavily contaminated ground, and is less commonly seen in the UK than in some other parts of the world.

Tapeworms

Some tapeworms can affect people, but the risk often depends on the specific type. Flea-borne tapeworms in dogs and cats are usually spread when a pet swallows an infected flea. In rare cases, humans, especially children, could also become infected by accidentally swallowing an infected flea.

There are also more serious tapeworm species associated with wildlife or livestock in certain settings. If your vet advises a specific worming schedule based on your pet’s lifestyle, this is one reason why.

Other parasites

It is worth remembering that worms are not the only parasites that can pass between pets and people. Fleas, mites, and some intestinal parasites can also be relevant in household health. If you are reviewing your pet’s routine prevention plan, it may be helpful to look at the wider range of flea, tick and worming products available for dogs, cats and small pets.

How do worms spread from pets to humans?

People do not usually catch worms from simply cuddling a pet. In most cases, transmission happens indirectly.

Common routes include:

• Touching contaminated soil, grass, floors, bedding, or litter and then touching your mouth
• Handling pet faeces without washing hands properly afterwards
• Children playing in gardens, sand, or outdoor areas used by pets
• Accidentally swallowing infected fleas in cases involving certain tapeworms
• Poor hygiene around feeding bowls, litter trays, hutches, or toilet areas

This is why routine cleaning and handwashing are so important. The risk is often linked more to the environment around the pet than to the pet itself.

Are some people more at risk?

Yes. Although anyone can potentially be affected, some groups are more vulnerable to parasitic infection or its complications.

• Young children, especially those who play outdoors and put hands in their mouths
• Pregnant women, who may be advised to take extra care with hygiene
• Elderly people
• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• People handling litter trays, hutches, or dog waste frequently

If someone in your household is in a higher-risk group, it is especially sensible to keep your pet’s parasite control up to date and speak to your veterinary surgeon about the most suitable preventative plan.

What signs might suggest worms in pets?

Pets do not always show obvious signs of worms, which is why regular preventative treatment is often recommended even when they seem well. When signs do appear, they can include:

• A bloated or pot-bellied appearance, especially in puppies or kittens
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• A dull coat or poor condition
• Seeing worms or worm segments in faeces or around the back end
• Bottom scooting, although this can have several other causes too

If your pet has symptoms, it is best to speak to your veterinary surgeon rather than guessing which parasite may be involved. Different worms need different treatment approaches, and in some cases a faecal test may be recommended.

How to reduce the risk in your home

The good news is that preventing worms is usually straightforward when you combine regular treatment with good household hygiene.

Use regular worming treatment

Routine worming is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk to both pets and people. The right treatment schedule depends on your pet’s age, species, lifestyle, and risk factors. For example, pets that hunt, scavenge, mix with other animals, or live with children may need closer attention.

If you are looking for options tailored to your pet, you can explore our dog flea and worming products or cat flea, tick and worming products. Where a prescription medicine is needed, we also explain how to order a prescription medicine clearly on our website.

Clean up faeces promptly

Pick up dog faeces in the garden and when out walking as soon as possible. Clean litter trays daily and keep hutches or small pet enclosures clean and dry. Prompt cleaning helps reduce environmental contamination and lowers the chance of eggs building up in the home or garden.

Wash hands properly

Handwashing remains one of the best defences. Wash hands after handling pets, cleaning litter trays, picking up faeces, gardening, or playing outside. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands after playing with pets or being in outdoor areas.

Control fleas as well as worms

Because some tapeworms are linked to fleas, flea control is an important part of parasite prevention. If your pet has fleas, treating worms alone may not fully solve the problem.

Keep pet areas clean

Wash bedding regularly, clean food and water bowls, and disinfect litter trays or toileting areas appropriately. For small pets, regular hutch cleaning is equally important.

Do indoor pets still need worming?

Many owners assume indoor pets are not at risk, but this is not always the case. Indoor cats, for example, can still catch fleas, and parasite eggs can be brought into the home on shoes or other items. Dogs that go outdoors, even for short walks, may easily be exposed. Small pets can also be affected depending on their housing and environment.

This is why parasite prevention should be based on individual risk rather than a simple indoor versus outdoor rule. If you are unsure what your pet needs, your vet can advise on the most appropriate schedule.

When should you contact a veterinary surgeon?

You should contact your veterinary surgeon if:

• Your pet has vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or a swollen abdomen
• You notice worms or worm segments in your pet’s faeces or around their bedding
• Your puppy, kitten, or small pet has not started a parasite prevention plan
• Your current treatment does not seem to be working
• Your pet is pregnant, very young, elderly, or has an underlying health condition

If you are ordering treatment online, always make sure it is suitable for your pet’s species, weight, and age, and use it exactly as directed. If you have questions about prescriptions, dosages, or product choice, our prescription FAQs and contact page may be helpful.

What if a person in the household may have been exposed?

If you are concerned that you or a family member may have caught worms or been exposed to contaminated faeces, it is important to seek advice from a GP or pharmacist rather than a vet. Human medical professionals are the right people to advise on symptoms, testing, and treatment for people.

At the same time, it is sensible to speak to your veterinary surgeon about checking your pet’s parasite control plan, so that any ongoing source of infection can be addressed responsibly.

Reassurance for pet owners

Although it is possible for humans to catch certain worms from pets, serious problems are uncommon when pets are looked after well. Regular worming, flea control, prompt cleaning, and basic hygiene go a long way towards protecting everyone in the household.

Owning a pet should not be a source of constant worry about parasites. With the right prevention plan and a little routine care, the risks are usually manageable and much lower than many people fear.

Conclusion

Pets can carry worms that may, in some cases, affect humans, but the risk is generally low when sensible preventative steps are in place. Keeping up with regular parasite control, cleaning up after your pet, and practising good hand hygiene are the most effective ways to reduce the chance of worms spreading in the home.

If you need help choosing suitable parasite prevention, we invite you to explore the Vetscriptions flea, tick and worming range, browse our dog, cat, or small animal collections, or learn more about us. If your pet is showing symptoms or you are unsure which treatment is appropriate, please speak to your veterinary surgeon first.

We are here to help UK pet owners access genuine, affordable pet healthcare with confidence. For more support, advice on ordering, or prescription guidance, visit Vetscriptions and continue exploring practical ways to keep your pet healthy and protected.