Worms in dog parks

Worms in Dog Parks: What Owners Need to Know

Dog parks provide a great place for dogs to exercise, play and socialise, but anywhere that lots of dogs spend time can also expose them to intestinal worms.

Australian research involving 190 urban parks found worms in almost 43% of the parks tested, with hookworm the most common parasite detected.

This highlights why regular parasite protection, picking up after our dogs and practising good hygiene are important for the health of both pets and people.

Australian research into worms in dog parks

A nationwide study involved testing 1,581 canine faecal samples collected from 190 urban parks across Australia.

Almost 43% of the parks were contaminated with at least one species of soil-transmitted dog worm.

Contamination varied between regions. It was highest in tropical northern Australia, where worms were detected in all the Far North Queensland parks tested. Rates were lower in subtropical and temperate areas but still reached 43% in Melbourne and 20% in Hobart.

Hookworms were the most commonly detected parasite, while roundworms, whipworms and threadworms were also identified.

How dogs pick up worms in dog parks

Dogs can pick up intestinal worms by coming into contact with or ingesting contaminated soil, sand, grass or faecal matter.

The risk is not limited to areas where dog poo is clearly visible. Microscopic worm eggs and larvae may remain in the environment after the poo has broken down or been removed.

Dogs that sniff, lick or eat things from the ground may therefore be exposed without their owners realising it.

Learn more about the different worms found in dog poo and how they may affect pets and people HERE.

Can dog worms infect people?

Some intestinal worms found in dogs are zoonotic, meaning they can also infect people.

Hookworm larvae in contaminated soil or sand can penetrate human skin, causing an itchy skin condition known as cutaneous larva migrans. Some hookworm infections may also cause abdominal symptoms and anaemia.

People may be exposed to roundworms if they accidentally ingest microscopic eggs from contaminated soil, sand or other surfaces. Young children may face a greater risk because they often play in parks and sandpits and are more likely to put their hands in their mouths.

While serious illness is uncommon, roundworm infection can cause a range of health problems in people. Research has also found associations between roundworm exposure and conditions including asthma, epilepsy and reduced cognitive performance in children, although an association does not necessarily mean that roundworm directly caused these conditions.

What about hydatid tapeworm?

While many owners have heard about tapeworms, hydatid tapeworm is now considered very uncommon in Australian pet dogs.

Dogs generally become infected with hydatid tapeworm by eating raw offal from an infected grazing animal, such as a sheep or kangaroo. This is something most suburban pet dogs are unlikely to encounter.

Importantly, no hydatid tapeworm was detected in the dog-park samples examined in this study.

This does not mean dogs cannot contract other tapeworms or that tapeworm protection is unnecessary. Different tapeworms have different life cycles, so speak to your veterinarian about the protection your dog requires based on their diet, location and lifestyle.

How to reduce the risk of worms

Human and veterinary infectious-disease experts recommend several practical steps to help reduce the spread of intestinal worms:

• Pick up and correctly dispose of your dog’s poo immediately.
• Check your backyard regularly and remove dog poo each day.
• Wash your hands after handling pets, picking up poo or touching soil.
• Encourage children to wash their hands after playing outside or in sandpits.
• Discourage dogs from eating faeces or scavenging from the ground.
• Arrange regular veterinary health checks.
• Keep your dog’s parasite protection up to date.

Monthly deworming is recommended to help protect dogs against important intestinal worms such as hookworm, roundworm and whipworm.

Always administer parasite treatments according to the product label and speak to your veterinarian if you are unsure which protection is appropriate for your dog.

NexGard SPECTRA provides protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms in one tasty monthly chew for dogs.

Visit the NexGard SPECTRA website to learn more. Always read and follow the product label.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs catch worms in dog parks?

Yes. Dogs can be exposed to worm eggs or larvae through contaminated soil, sand, grass or faecal matter.

Can people catch worms at dog parks?

Some dog worms can also affect people. Hookworm larvae may penetrate the skin, while roundworm infection can occur if microscopic eggs are accidentally swallowed.

Were tapeworms found in the Australian dog-park study?

No hydatid tapeworm was detected in the samples tested. However, other types of tapeworm can still affect dogs, so appropriate parasite protection remains important.

How can owners help keep dog parks safer?

Pick up your dog’s poo immediately, wash your hands after visiting the park and keep your dog’s parasite protection up to date.

Reference

Massetti, L. et al. (2022). Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. International Journal for Parasitology, 52(10), 637–646.