can a dog catch worms from a cat

YES! People may think worms could not survive in cat feces so they couldn’t infect your dog, but they absolutely can. The shell of worms eggs can be particularly hard and survive for a serious length of time on the ground in cat feces!

How Are Worms Similar in Dogs and Cats?

Dogs can get worms in many of the same ways that cats and other animals do. Some of the symptoms frequently seen are as follows:

It’s possible to see worms in the stool or vomit of dogs and cats.

▪ When dealing with an infestation, both dogs and cats may lose a considerable amount of weight and develop a decreased appetite.

▪ It’s possible for dogs and cats to appear listless and uninterested in their regular activities.

▪ When fighting worms, dogs and cats may vomit or have blood in their stool.

How Do I Treat My Dog’s Worms?

The treatment of worms is relatively straightforward. Your vet will prescribe a course of deworming medication. All living worms within your dog will be eliminated with a medication that is administered orally or intravenously. The worms will dissolve and exit via your dog’s stool. Many times, more than one treatment is required because the medication occasionally only kills the adult worms.

Making sure your dog doesn’t become re-infected during the deworming period is crucial. That entails clearing your dog and cat’s waste from the yard. Keep their bed and areas clean and disinfected. Additionally, you must always wear gloves when handling contaminated materials and excrement to prevent the infection from spreading to you or your kids.

Your dog will typically require multiple treatments before they fully recover, which could take several weeks. Until the worms are completely removed, your dog might appear quiet, lethargic, and ill. But you should expect a full recovery in a few weeks or months.

For first-hand accounts from other dog owners, visit Roundworms in Dogs.

Can Dogs Get Worms From Cats?

Yes, dogs can get worms from felines. Although some people believe certain worm strains cannot be passed from one species to another, there are several worms that can be passed from cats to dogs. It would be highly recommended to keep your dog and domestic cat apart until the worm infestation has been resolved if you believe your cat may be worm-infested.

FAQ

Should I deworm my dog if my cat has worms?

It is always safest to test all household pet members for parasites (fecal or stool sample) OR treat all household pet members as if they are infected. Treatment may be in the form of liquid, pill, powder or topical medication.

Can dogs get worms from sharing water with cats?

Always wash your hands after handling any pet waste. If you’ve been out hiking, walking or in any environments where there are dogs and other wildlife, clean your dog’s paws afterwards. This can be done with grooming wipes or wet wash cloth. Worms can be passed between dogs and cats by sharing drinking water and toys.

Do cats and dogs get the same worms?

Dogs commonly get hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Cats commonly get roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, but not whipworms. Pets can also get lungworms, esophageal worms, bloodworms, kidney worms, liver flukes, and intestinal protozoa. The most common pet worms are roundworms, and hookworms.

How do you clean your house if your cat has worms?

You should thoroughly clean all of your cat’s bedding on a hot wash and any other blankets or sheets they may have touched. Carpets can be steam cleaned to kill off any remaining eggs and hard floors can be treated with an antibacterial cleaner or a mild bleach solution to make sure any eggs are killed.