If your dog sleeps on your bed, rides shotgun on road trips and occasionally licks your face, you’ve probably wondered at some point: Could I catch parasites from my dog?

The short answer: It’s possible.

The reassuring answer: For most dog owners, it’s pretty unlikely.

The truth is that parasites rarely jump directly from dog to human through everyday contact. Much more often, infections happen through contaminated soil, fleas or poor hygiene around pet waste. In other words, the real risk usually isn’t cuddling your dog — it’s what happens after someone forgets to pick up the poop.

Let’s break down what veterinarians actually worry about.

Roundworms: the most common concern

Roundworms, especially Toxocara canis, are one of the parasites vets think about most when it comes to people.

Dogs shed microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. Those eggs don’t immediately infect people, but once they mature in the environment they can contaminate soil, sandboxes and gardens. Humans can accidentally ingest them on unwashed hands.

This is why roundworms are more associated with dirt and outdoor play areas than with petting a dog. Children, who are more likely to play in soil and then touch their mouths, are considered the highest-risk group.

Hookworms: a barefoot hazard

Hookworms present a different kind of risk. Instead of infecting people through the mouth, hookworm larvae in contaminated soil can penetrate bare skin.

The result is a condition called cutaneous larva migrans — an itchy, snake-like rash that travels just under the skin. It sounds dramatic, but it’s usually treatable and temporary.

The classic scenario? Walking barefoot in a yard or beach area where infected dog feces were left behind.

Giardia and other intestinal parasites

Giardia gets a lot of attention in dog parks and veterinary offices, but the risk of catching it directly from your own dog is often overstated.

Dogs and humans can carry different strains of Giardia, and the strains that infect dogs do not always infect people. Transmission from dogs to humans can happen, but public health experts generally consider it less common than people assume.

Cryptosporidium works in a similar way. While dogs can carry it, the species most commonly found in dogs rarely infect humans.

Tapeworms and fleas

One parasite with an unusual route of infection is the flea tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum.

People don’t get this tapeworm from touching a dog. Instead, infection occurs if someone accidentally swallows an infected flea. It sounds unlikely, but it’s one reason veterinarians emphasize year-round flea control.

In households with heavy flea infestations, the risk increases for both pets and people.

Mange mites and skin irritation

External parasites can also cross species briefly. Dogs with sarcoptic mange, for example, may cause an itchy rash in humans after close contact.

The good news is that these mites don’t typically live long on human skin. The irritation usually resolves once the dog is treated.

So what are the real odds?

For the typical healthy adult living with a well-cared-for dog, the chances of catching parasites from that dog are relatively low.

Most infections require several steps: the dog must be infected, the parasite must be shed into the environment, and the person must then ingest or absorb it. That chain of events is far less common than people often imagine.

Risk increases in a few situations. Puppies are more likely to carry intestinal parasites. Dogs with heavy flea infestations or chronic diarrhea may pose greater risk. People with weakened immune systems, young children and pregnant individuals may also need to be more cautious.

Often, the environment is the real culprit

One of the most important points veterinarians emphasize is that parasite exposure usually comes from the environment, not from direct contact with a dog.

When infected dogs defecate outdoors and the waste isn’t picked up promptly, parasite eggs and larvae can contaminate the surrounding soil. By the time a child digs in that dirt or someone weeds the garden, the dog might appear perfectly healthy.

This is why responsible poop cleanup is one of the most effective public health tools dog owners have.

What about dog kisses?

A quick lick on the cheek is unlikely to transmit most intestinal parasites. That said, veterinarians still recommend discouraging dogs from licking faces — especially for young children or anyone with a compromised immune system.

It’s less about paranoia and more about simple hygiene.

How to lower the risk

Fortunately, parasite prevention is straightforward.

Keep your dog on veterinarian-recommended parasite preventives year-round. Bring stool samples to routine wellness visits. Puppies should be dewormed and tested more frequently because they’re much more likely to carry parasites.

Maintain consistent flea control, pick up feces promptly and wash your hands after cleaning up pet waste or gardening.

And if your dog develops diarrhea, weight loss, visible worms or flea infestations, contact your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

The bottom line

Yes, people can pick up parasites from dogs. But for most dog owners, the risk is small and easily managed.

The best protection isn’t avoiding your dog. It’s good veterinary care, consistent parasite prevention and basic hygiene.

So keep the road trips, hikes and couch cuddles coming — just remember to grab the poop bags.