I got a chihuahua puppy about 2 weeks ago. He has had runny diarrhea for 4 days. My friend works at a vet and took him in today. She just called and said he has tapeworms. Although I do wash my hands alot, I am worried sick that I can get them. I also have a 2 year old daughter. Shes almost never alone with the dog (because of his size) but im also worried to death that he licked her in the face. How high is the possibility that one of us have tapeworms?
2007-08-23 06:09:32 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Unless you ingested fleas or flea larvae, that is impossible!
I would recommend getting a fingernail brush also and make sure you and your daughter wash your hands thoroughly, especially under the child's fingernails. And do not let him lick faces.
2007-08-23 06:33:27 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tapeworms come from the dog ingesting infected fleas. I would think the 'runny diarrhea' was caused by something else. It is highly unlikely either of you have tapeworms unless either or both of you have ingested infected meat - usually raw fish actually (a different kind of tapeworm). I guess you could get infected if you or your daughter ate one of the egg segments in the stool of the dog - they are not microscopic so it wouldn't be by accident or in a dog's lick. There might be other paracites but it is pretty uncommon for a person to become infested with canine paracites - the vector/host relationships come into play to make it pretty difficult. I ran across an old ad the other day that actually was preporting the advantages of getting tapeworms - they sold (not canine tapeworm) tapeworms to make yourself infested to help maintain your 'figure while eating whatever you want' -- not sure that actually even worked well since it didn't seem to take off and usually dogs won't exhibit weight loss or overt symptoms unless their systems are taxed by something else like another infestation of more actively debilitating paracites.
Washing your hands is always an excellent idea epidemiologically but the infective parts of tapeworms are visible to the naked or even half blind eye so you would notice if they were on you before putting your fingers in your mouths :)
Congrates on the new puppy!
2007-08-23 09:52:31 · answer #2 · answered by Nancy M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tapeworms are spread by ingesting fleas or rodents. If you do not have a habit of ingesting fleas or rodents, you are just fine. The worm excreted by the dog is not dangerous. The eggsack has to be eaten by fleas for the eggs to mature and become able to infect mammals.
Tapeworm are easy for dogs to get when they have fleas, but other than that they don't bother dogs nor humans.
Get the dog treated for the tapeworm as well as fleas and all will be well.
2007-08-23 06:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by Shanna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, since tapeworms tends to grow in the inside of you intestines and stuff like like that..... the only way you can get it is if you digested the egg of the tapeworm or the tapeworm itself. Unless you start seeing worms in your daughter's feces then you don't have much to worry about. Tapeworms can't pass thru any other ways. =)
2007-08-23 06:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by M@caroni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tapeworms come from fleas a human cannot get tapeworm howeveer you need to treat your dog and house for fleas. the saying goes for every flea onteh dog there is 100 in teh house.
2007-08-23 07:22:59 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but yes you can get tape worms. Their eggs are tiny and can be transferred from your hands to your mouth very easily. There is a remedy over the counter you can buy at most pharmacies, I know Walgreens carries it. Sounds like you have been careful though. Make sure the puppy is being treated and if you're not sure, just buy the remedy for youselves just to be on the safe side
2007-08-23 07:56:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The only way you can get tapeworms is if you eat it. So unless you have a palet for tapeworms, your OK. Check for fleas while your at it.
2007-08-23 06:23:30 · answer #7 · answered by S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What signs of infection do we see in humans?
Usually, it is children who become infected with this tapeworm by ingesting flea larvae or adult lice. In general, we rarely see symptoms in humans. In severe infections, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and pruritus (itching) in the perianal area may be present.
2007-08-23 06:49:32 · answer #8 · answered by mairin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs get tapeworms from eating fleas, so no, you can't get tapeworms from your dog.
2007-08-23 07:05:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Highly doubtful. I am not sure if they can be passed that way. Call a vet and ask or call your childs doctor.
If your daughter shows any strange symptoms I would take her to the doctor as well.
2007-08-23 06:13:25 · answer #10 · answered by Aero-Smith 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋