Question: How Long Can Dog Worms Survive Outside?

How long can worms survive outside of the human body? Worm eggs can find their way back into a person’s mouth through direct contact with contaminated hands, but they can also be transmitted indirectly through various means, including contaminated food, dust, or objects. These resilient eggs have the ability to endure for a period of up to two weeks in external environments before potentially infecting a new host.

It’s not uncommon to find live worms in your dog’s feces even after you’ve administered deworming treatment. This might seem unsettling, but it’s a positive sign indicating that the worms are no longer thriving inside your dog’s body. After deworming, some worms may still be active when they are expelled from your dog’s system, but rest assured, they are no longer a threat to your pet’s health. This process is a crucial part of the deworming process, as it helps eliminate the parasites that were once residing in your dog’s digestive system.

Intestinal worms, specifically threadworms, have the capability to persist on surfaces for a duration of up to two weeks. These microscopic eggs pose a potential risk when they come into contact with a person. They can be ingested by individuals who touch contaminated objects or surfaces, and they can also be inhaled if they become airborne. For instance, shaking a tainted towel or bed sheet can release these eggs into the air, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. This information was last updated on May 29, 2023.