I love animals, and I know many of you consider your dog or cat part of the family. They sleep in our beds, lick our faces and follow us into the garden. So when patients ask me, "Could I have picked up a parasite from my pet?" I take the question seriously, without wanting anyone to panic or rehome the dog.
The short answer: yes, some parasites can pass between animals and people. The good news is that a few everyday habits go a long way, and if you're having symptoms, testing can give you a clear answer. Let's walk through it.
Parasites that can move between animals and humans are called zoonotic parasites. Pets don't usually hand them to us directly. Instead, exposure tends to happen through:
Kids are often more exposed because they play on the floor and in the dirt and put their hands in their mouths. That's one reason parasites tend to show up in whole households.
You don't need to memorize these, but it helps to know the names you might hear from your vet or on a lab report:
Common in puppies and kittens. Eggs are passed in stool and can linger in soil. People usually pick them up by accidentally swallowing eggs from contaminated hands or dirt.
Hookworm larvae live in contaminated soil and sand and can enter through the skin, which is one reason I tell patients to wear shoes in the yard.
Some tapeworms are spread through fleas. A person, usually a child, would have to accidentally swallow an infected flea, so flea control matters for the whole family.
Giardia is a protozoan that both pets and people can carry. It spreads through contaminated water, surfaces and stool, and it's a common cause of digestive upset.
Cats can shed Toxoplasma in their stool. If you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider and consider asking someone else to handle the litter box.
Parasite symptoms overlap with a lot of other issues, so they're easy to miss. Watch for patterns like:
If several of these fit, read my full list of 8 warning signs of parasites. And if your pet has recently had worms, mention it. That history helps us connect the dots.
Your veterinarian is the right person to diagnose and care for your animal, but these are common clues pet owners notice:
If you see any of these, call your vet. Keeping your pet on a regular deworming and flea prevention schedule protects them and your household.
You don't have to give up cuddles. You just need a few consistent habits:
If one person in the house has confirmed parasites, or your pet was recently dewormed and family members have symptoms, it's worth a conversation about testing more than one person. Parasites like pinworms spread easily within families, so supporting just one person often leads to the problem coming right back.
Testing is simple. Our parasite test kit is done at home: you collect a stool sample, ship it to the lab and review the results with our team. A comprehensive stool test can also show what else is happening in the gut, like bacterial or yeast imbalance. You can read more about that in my post on SIBO and stool testing with the GI-MAP, or see how we identify parasites.
First, take a breath. This is common, and it's manageable. Depending on your results and health history, we'll build a plan to support your body and bring your gut back into balance. For many patients that includes our Full Moon Parasite Cleanse, paired with drainage, binders, and food choices that don't feed the problem. My guide to the best and worst foods for a parasite cleanse is a good place to start.
If you're pregnant, nursing, taking medications or caring for a young child, talk with your healthcare provider before starting any cleanse. And remember to have your vet care for your pet at the same time, so no one passes anything back and forth.
It's possible but not the most common route. Most exposure happens through contact with stool or contaminated soil and then touching your mouth. Avoiding face licking and washing your hands are simple safeguards.
Yes. Cats can carry roundworms, hookworms, Giardia and Toxoplasma. Daily litter box cleaning and hand washing help, and pregnant women should talk with their provider about litter box care.
No. With regular vet care, flea control and good hygiene, you can keep your pet and protect your family.
Our at-home parasite test kit lets you collect a stool sample at home and ship it to the lab. Our team then reviews your results with you.
Yes. Dr. Wards sees patients nationwide by telehealth. In-person visits are available at our Waxahachie, TX clinic.
If you and your pets share a home and you've been dealing with symptoms that won't settle, let's find out what's going on. Book an appointment or call 512.328.0505 to get started with at-home testing. Patients in North Texas can also learn about our parasite support near Dallas.
This article is for education and isn't a substitute for individual medical or veterinary advice. Talk with your healthcare provider and your veterinarian about your situation.