For most of us, worming the dog or cat sits somewhere near the bottom of the to-do list — a chore we get to eventually. But a recent independent survey of more than 1,000 Australian dog owners found that over one in three had no idea the worms our pets pick up can also affect the people living with them. That awareness gap matters, especially in households with young kids, older relatives, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
The good news? Protecting your family and your pet at the same time is straightforward once you understand how these parasites work. Here is what every Aussie owner should know.
The risk most owners don’t see coming
Intestinal worms are common in Australian dogs and cats, and many infections show no obvious signs at all. The same survey found that while around 42% of owners had noticed symptoms that might point to worms, the reality is that many cases — tapeworm in particular — stay completely hidden. A pet can look perfectly healthy and still be shedding microscopic worm eggs into your backyard, the carpet, or the spot where your toddler plays.
Worms that can pass from animals to people are called zoonotic parasites. According to the RSPCA, children, the elderly and people who are immunocompromised face the highest risk, largely because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil or surfaces and less likely to wash up afterwards.
Which worms can actually affect people
Not every worm is a human concern, but a few of the most common ones are:
- Roundworm (Toxocara): Eggs are passed in pet faeces and can survive in soil for a long time. In people, accidentally swallowing eggs can rarely lead to a condition called toxocariasis.
- Hookworm: Larvae in contaminated soil or sand can burrow into human skin, causing an itchy rash sometimes called “creeping eruption.”
- Tapeworm: Some tapeworms are spread by fleas, which is why worming and flea control go hand in hand.
Whipworm also affects dogs but is generally considered a lower human-health risk. The point isn’t to panic — serious human infections are uncommon in Australia — but to recognise that routine prevention quietly protects everyone in the home.
How often should you worm your dog or cat?
A widely used schedule recommended by Australian vets and the RSPCA is:
- Puppies and kittens: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age
- From 3 to 6 months: once a month
- Adult dogs and cats: every 3 months (four times a year)
The three-monthly adult schedule lines up with the typical worm life cycle, breaking it before parasites can multiply. There’s no single product that suits every pet, so the right choice depends on your animal’s age, lifestyle and where you live. A quick word with your vet will point you to a suitable all-wormer or combination treatment.
Simple habits that lower the risk
- Pick up and bin dog faeces from the yard and on walks promptly — worm eggs need time in the environment to become infectious.
- Wash hands after gardening, handling pets, or playing outside, and encourage children to do the same.
- Keep sandpits covered when not in use so they don’t become a toilet for visiting animals.
- Stay on top of flea control, since fleas spread certain tapeworms.
- Keep worming in sync across all the pets in your household — treating one and not the others leaves a gap.
When to see your vet
Book a check-up if your pet has a pot-bellied appearance, ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting, visible worms or rice-like segments near the tail, unexplained weight loss, or scooting along the ground. These can have several causes, and a vet can confirm what’s going on with a simple faecal test. Consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment specific to your pet, and speak to your GP if you’re worried about a person’s health.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really catch worms from my dog or cat?
Some intestinal worms are zoonotic, meaning they can pass to people — usually through contact with contaminated soil or faeces rather than direct cuddles. Regular worming and good hygiene make this risk very low.
How often should an adult dog or cat be wormed?
Most healthy adult pets are wormed every three months. Pets in higher-risk situations may need more frequent treatment, so check with your vet.
Do indoor cats need worming?
Yes. Indoor cats can still be exposed through fleas, hunting the occasional insect, or contact with other pets, so they shouldn’t be skipped.
Are worming treatments safe?
Worming products approved for use in Australia are widely used and generally well tolerated when given at the correct dose for your pet’s weight. Always follow the label and ask your vet if you’re unsure.
Key takeaways
- Over one in three Aussie dog owners don’t realise pet worms can affect people.
- Many worm infections are invisible — a healthy-looking pet can still be infected.
- Worm adult dogs and cats every three months; puppies and kittens need it more often.
- Good hygiene, prompt poo pick-up and flea control protect the whole household.
- See your vet for the right product and if you notice any warning signs.
