Many pet owners are surprised to learn that some parasites don’t just affect animals, they can also pose health risks to humans. These are known as zoonotic parasites, and while the risk is usually low with proper care, awareness and prevention are essential for keeping both pets and families safe.
At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we believe prevention starts with understanding which parasites matter, how they spread, and what practical steps truly reduce risk.
How Parasites Pass From Pets to People
Most parasites are transmitted through:
- Contact with contaminated soil, feces, or surfaces
- Fleas or ticks acting as carriers
- Poor hand hygiene after handling pets or cleaning litter boxes
- Pets bringing parasites indoors from outdoor environments
Children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk, making prevention especially important in multi-person households.
Common Pet Parasites That Can Affect Humans
Roundworms
Roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens.
How they affect humans:
- Eggs can contaminate soil, sandboxes, or yards
- Accidental ingestion can lead to organ or eye damage in rare cases
Pets may show no symptoms, which is why routine deworming and fecal testing matter.
Hookworms
Hookworms can penetrate the skin, particularly through bare feet walking on contaminated ground.
In humans, they can cause:
- Itchy, red skin lesions
- Inflammation known as cutaneous larva migrans
Regular parasite prevention significantly reduces environmental contamination.
Fleas
While fleas prefer animals, they readily bite humans and can transmit bacteria and tapeworms.
Health concerns include:
- Allergic reactions and skin irritation
- Transmission of tapeworms when pets ingest infected fleas
Flea infestations often start unnoticed and spread quickly in homes.
Ticks
Ticks are a major concern for both pets and people.
They can transmit diseases such as:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
Pets can carry ticks indoors, increasing human exposure even without outdoor activity.
Giardia and Other Protozoa
These microscopic parasites spread through contaminated water or feces.
In humans, they may cause:
- Diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset
- Abdominal cramping and dehydration
Pets can be asymptomatic carriers, making routine screening important.
Why Indoor Pets Are Not Risk-Free
A common myth is that indoor pets don’t need parasite prevention. In reality:
- Fleas can enter homes on clothing or other animals
- Parasite eggs can be tracked indoors on shoes
- Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm to indoor pets
Year-round prevention protects both pets and the people they live with.
Practical Prevention Strategies That Work
Consistent Parasite Prevention
Use veterinarian-recommended parasite preventives year-round, tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Regular Veterinary Screening
Routine fecal exams and wellness visits help catch infections early, often before symptoms appear.
Hygiene Habits at Home
- Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning waste
- Clean litter boxes daily
- Remove pet waste from yards promptly
Environmental Control
- Wash pet bedding regularly
- Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently
- Treat all pets in the household to prevent reinfestation
Educating the Whole Household
Teach children proper handwashing and discourage face licking or playing in areas where pets eliminate.
When to Talk to Your Veterinarian
If your pet has diarrhea, vomiting, itching, unexplained weight loss, or visible parasites, or if someone in your household develops unexplained skin or digestive symptoms, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.
The team at Alta Vista Animal Hospital can help you choose the right prevention plan, screen for parasites, and reduce zoonotic risks in your home. Proactive care keeps everyone safer, not just your pet.