In the event of a worm infestation, the dog should not only be dewormed, but the apartment should also be thoroughly cleaned. This includes cleaning bowls, sleeping places, floors and toys. In addition, all areas with feces should also be heat treated.
These measures are primarily necessary to prevent re-infestation and also to protect people in the household from infection.
Depending on their origin, between 15 and 21% of all dogs are said to be infected with worms. The parasites are therefore many times more common than ticks, lice and mites. [1]
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans. The transmission usually happens in three different ways:
- Eating foods that contain worm eggs
- Hands with worm eggs are accidentally licked
- Contaminated soil is accidentally swallowed
Heartworm infection is, however, very rare in humans. In addition, the effects are not necessarily comparable to those on dogs. [2]
However, it is important to clean the apartment thoroughly after your dog has had worms. The following tips we can help.
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#1 Wash bowls
When it comes to dog bowls, I personally primarily use stainless steel versions. Because these can easily be thrown into the dishwasher.
The hot water combined with the high water pressure removes all worm eggs. I also recommend disinfecting the floor around the bowls.
#2 Clean sleeping areas
If there is a severe worm infestation, some of the worms and eggs escape outside through the anus. All of your dog's sleeping places could therefore be contaminated.
If your dog bed is machine washable, then that is enough. If not, I recommend running a steam cleaner over all sides of the basket.
Of course, the same applies to the sofa, bed covers, covers, carpets and other floors on which your four-legged friend likes to sleep. [3]
#3 Clean up accidents
In the case of a worm infestation, it is not uncommon for live and dead worms as well as worm eggs to be found in the feces. Sometimes dogs vomit the worms too.
If your four-legged friend has recently pooped or vomited in the apartment, you should also clean these areas with a steam cleaner.
A mixture of bleach and water in a ratio of 1:30 is often recommended. This kills most types of worms and at the same time does not leave a strong smell.
#4 Pick up poop
In addition to the apartment, you should also keep your surroundings clean. The less feces in the garden and along the walking paths, the lower the risk of infection.
This is particularly true for children in the household who also play with others in the garden. Worms can survive in dirt for several years. [4]
#5 Wash toys
Toys are also a potential source of danger as they are usually in direct contact with the mouth. This is especially true for throwing toys for the garden.
It's best to put everything in the dishwasher or clean it thoroughly by hand. The water should be hot. Depending on the type of worm, 65 – 80 °C is sufficient to kill it.
Roundworms can lay up to 250,000 eggs per day and bankworms can lay up to 700,000 eggs per day. This probably explains why these parasites are so common in dogs. [5]
#6 Clean floors
There is probably no better time for spring cleaning than after your dog has had worms. It is best to vacuum and wet clean all floors.
An additional round with the steam cleaner isn't a bad idea either. Because heat is the most effective and sometimes only way to kill worms and the worms' eggs.
Since worm eggs are usually very small and invisible, I recommend cleaning the apartment thoroughly rather than forgetting individual contaminated areas. [6]
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