sanitizing house/yard

[Guest Anonymous]

I have several dogs and recently became aware that I can become infected with many of the things that they can, including intestinal worms. I am very scared that I may have already caught something and do not know about it, I am planning to have the dogs examined and tested for everything (vaccinated, but never had fecal check or anything) but no matter what site I visit, the only suggestions they have for avoiding getting intestinal worms is not to go to those areas. Very irritating. I even went through vet specific sites and the CDC, all they said was "to avoid infection, treat pets for worms and keep children away from areas infected by worms." They also do not list a way to identify if you or your animal has the worms before a vet/doctor visit. Since my dogs live inside/outside, and I am absolutely against turning them into outside only dogs, what can I do to sterilize my home?

[Guest Anonymous]

Bleach and water for the areas not bothered by the bleach.
Also, lining vinegar along the door jam will keep some dogs from entering. (This doesnt work for all dogs!!)

[Shannon_C]

Get all your dogs vaccinated at the appropriate times, this is done once a year, but if they haven't been done for a few years then they might require 2. and then once there after, also get them wormed and fleaded regular. Wash all areas where your dogs have been, including there sleeping places, carpets, curtains, furniture etc with a good strong product from your local good pet shop, your vet may be able to help you with this.
The only way you could catch worms is by letting an infected dog lick your face and mouth. If this is so then I recommend a visit to your doctor.
Good Luck!

Shannon
Bullmastiff Owner, Researcher and Adviser of the breed, and Lover of all animals!

[Guest Anonymous]

There are all kinds of worms, and a lot are not able to be detected by the human eye. There are hookworms, whipworms,round worms, tape worms (can be caused by fleas), etc. Dogs can pick up worms by by walking in the urine and/or feces of other infected animals. The dogs then lick their paws thus ingesting the worms or larva.

My dogs are all house dogs but they do go out in the fenced in yard, and I do walk them every day and since I live in a rural area (racoons, fox, groundhogs), I wash their feet off after every walk. I also take stool specimens in every 3 mos. Many types of disinfecting can be a danger to your dogs.