Zoonotic

If a parasite or disease is zoonotic, it can be transferred to humans. Many intestinal parasites, like giardia, are zoonotic.

Hygiene is very important! It is very important to have proper hygiene as to not re-infect your pet or your family.

Here are some easy steps to maintain proper hygiene and lessen the chance of re-infestation:

Have your puppy/kitten de-wormed at least three times, once every three weeks starting at 8 weeks of age.
Pick up your dog or cats stool so that the parasites do not have time to get into the soil or living area. Dogs and cats can re-infect themselves if they come into contact with their own feces. Humans can also become infected by walking barefoot or playing in infected areas.
Wash your hands after playing with your pet or picking up their stool. Make children wash hands as well and keep them from putting their hands in their mouth.
Wash bedding after pet is de-wormed.
Clean food dishes daily to prevent contamination.
Cats should have paper in their litter box for easy cleaning; boxes should be emptied daily and bleached with 10% solution.
Clean pets feet twice daily if possible as well. If fecal material gets on pet's feet, grooming will cause re-infestation. Wipe rear ends and feet after defecating.
Confine the infected pet to a small room such as a bathroom to prevent transmission to other household pets.
Check fecals on your pet every six months.

Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites