We adopted a dog from the shelter about 3 months ago, and despite the fact that she was dewormed there, she now has roundworm. As a former vet tech, I'm not too worried about HER, a simple dewormer will do the trick, but roundworm eggs can live years on grass or dirt, and can be very dangerous to children. Has anyone dealt with this? I don't want my son to be infected . . . is there any successful way to decontaminate a yard? Maybe just some reassurance . . . has anyone had their dog contract roundworm, and had no issues with their children? I am pretty well informed in the area of animals and worms, but not kids . . . help!
Hi J.,
I don't know the dangers involved, but just wanted to bring this thought up...aren't we all subject to all sorts of infestation when we enter the public domain? Perhaps you can call a good pest control who is knows how to deal with such things, but I think it is just as possible to come in contact at a park as your own lawn. Does the vet offer any suggestions for the family?
I'm so GLAD you brought up this subject... I am very aware of this and how "worms" can be transmitted to children just in the playground or our own yards.
For THIS reason, I have always told my kids to ALWAYS wear shoes outside (here where I live many people go barefoot and at the beaches). Worms, hook worms, tape worms, pin worms, and round worms can be picked up via bare feet outside, and the parks have stray animals or even pets that go and do their pooping at the parks and playgrounds too. So gross. My friend got tape worms this way, for example.
Just wanted to thank you for this subject. It's very important, and yucky!
Perhaps, search online for ways to rid the yard of the roundworm and eggs.... I"m sure there are things that will come up in a Google search.
All the best,
Susan
Is it roundworm or Ringworm?
I am not sure how to rid your lawn. But you can have your kids tested for worms. I had myself tested after my dog was found to have hook worms. Not real pleasant since you have to take stool samples. But you will know for sure and your children can easily be treated if they have them. Most of the nasty problems that occur from worms take time to develop and you can avoid that with simple treatments from your doctor. Of course you can pick up all the feces and hose things off and keep shoes on. However, worm eggs are fairly common even if you cleaned them out of your own yard your dog or kids can pick them up easily elsewhere.
