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Table of Contents
How do worming tablets kill worms in my dog?
Are wormer tablets poisonous to me?
How can I handle wormer tablets safely?
Can my child get worms from dogs?
How can I keep my child safe from worms
When should I call a doctor?
What if my child has an auto-immune issue?
So is my child safe around a dog using worming tablets?
As parents, we often juggle a thousand little worries. We fret about school lunches, screen time, whether our little ones are drinking enough water, and, of course, their exposure to germs, chemicals, and other nasties in the world. Now, add a beloved pet into the mix, particularly a dog, and suddenly there’s a whole new layer of concern. You love your furry companion, but if your pooch is taking worming tablets, can your child still safely play on the carpet, cuddle up on the sofa, or share those heart-melting doggy snuggles? Scroll to find out!
Before we get into safety concerns, it’s worth understanding what wormer tablets actually do. Dogs, like many animals, can be hosts to various internal parasites, the most common of which are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. These parasites can cause a range of health issues in dogs, from mild digestive upset to more serious conditions like anaemia. Click here to find out how pet worming tablets work!
Worming tablets (also called anthelmintics) are medications designed to kill or expel these parasites from your dog’s system. Some of the most commonly used active ingredients in UK veterinary medicine include:
Pyrantel pamoate – effective against roundworms and hookworms
Praziquantel – primarily for tapeworms
Fenbendazole – targets a broader spectrum including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some types of tapeworms
Milbemycin oxime – often part of combination treatments for heartworm and intestinal worms
These tablets are formulated for canine physiology and carefully dosed based on your dog’s weight and metabolism. That means the amount of active ingredient is intended to affect the dog, not humans. On an Itch subscription, we’ll do all of the work for you. We deliver a tailored dose of worming treatment, based on your dog’s weight and metabolism, to your door, exactly when you need it. Get Started today!
Generally no, wormer tablets are not toxic to humans but that doesn't mean you should be taking them as a way to medicate yourself.
Most worming medications for dogs are considered low-risk to humans as the body metabolises these drugs differently than a dog does, meaning the compounds are much less potent for us.
However, “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no-risk.” Some ingredients can cause mild side effects in humans if swallowed or handled in large quantities. For instance:
Praziquantel can cause mild nausea, dizziness, or headache in humans if ingested in significant amounts.
Pyrantel is generally very safe but could, in theory, cause gastrointestinal upset if a child ingested a tablet.
Fenbendazole is considered extremely safe; humans have even taken it for specific medical treatments under supervision.
The key takeaway is that normal contact with a dog that’s recently had worming tablets is unlikely to cause any harm to your child, but swallowing a tablet, chewing on it, or getting a concentrated dose directly in the mouth should be avoided.
Most of the time, risk comes not from the dog itself, but from the way wormers are handled. Here’s a practical guide to minimise exposure:
Administer with care
When giving your dog a worming tablet, wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Encourage older children to stay a few steps back and avoid touching the tablet directly.
Hide or dispose of leftovers
If your dog refuses the tablet and it’s left on the floor, pick it up immediately. Don’t let toddlers find it as it can look like candy!
Clean surfaces
If your dog drools, chews, or plays with the tablet, wipe down any surfaces that your child might touch, such as kitchen counters, floors, or sofas.
Keep dosage schedules visible
Create a simple chart of worming dates and meds. That way, everyone in the household knows when the dog has been treated, and precautions can be temporary and targeted.
If you treat your dog for worms, this will protect your child. By keeping a worm-free dog, you’re lowering the risk of accidental transmission. Click here to know how to kill worms for good!
Children can get worms from pets but this very much depends on the worm. Here’s what you should know:
Roundworms are the biggest concern for humans, particularly young children. These worms live in dog intestines but can be transmitted through contaminated soil, sand, or surfaces if dog faeces are not disposed of promptly. Children who play in sandpits, gardens, or parks where infected dogs have been may be at risk.
Tapeworms are less likely to infect humans directly. Most tapeworms require an intermediate host, such as fleas. So controlling fleas is also part of keeping the household safe.
Hookworms and whipworms are uncommon in humans in the UK, but contact with infected faeces can theoretically cause skin irritation or mild infections.
Maintain good hand hygiene
Encourage frequent hand washing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet or playing outside.
Treat your pet for worms
By using ongoing worm treatment, you can ensure any worms that do infest your pet, will be killed and won't affect your children. Itch Wormer Tablets for Dogs has a fast-acting formula that kills common dog intestinal worms and prevents newly hatched larvae from growing and multiplying. Protecting you, your family, your home and your dog from worms, until their next regular treatment.
Keep nails short and clean
Worm eggs often hide under fingernails; trimming nails reduces risk.
Practice safe food habits
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Cook meat and fish properly to kill any parasites.
Avoid raw or unpasteurized food products.
Ensure safe drinking water
Drink clean, filtered, or boiled water.
Avoid drinking from potentially contaminated rivers, ponds, or wells.
Maintain proper sanitation
Use toilets or latrines rather than open defecation.
Dispose of child faeces safely.
Wear shoes outdoors
Prevents hookworm infections that can enter through the skin.
Keep play areas clean
Avoid children playing in soil that may be contaminated with faeces.
Educate children
Teach them not to put fingers, toys, or objects from the ground into their mouths.
It’s worth mentioning that your GP or pharmacist will tell you the same thing: accidental contact with dog worming tablets is unlikely to cause harm. If a child swallows a tablet, they may experience mild stomach upset. In that case, call NHS 111 immediately for advice, and bring the packaging along if you visit a doctor.
For immunocompromised children, extra caution should be taken. While exposure is still low-risk, always follow advice from your GP. This is also the case for children with allergies. Though rare, allergic reactions to a drug residue could occur. Keep an eye out for any unusual rashes or irritations after contact.
Yes. Absolutely. With simple hygiene and common sense, there’s no reason to limit cuddles, playtime, or snuggles. In fact, worming your dog is a protective step for your child, reducing the risk of accidental parasitic infection.
By following these sensible steps, you and your children can enjoy a happy, healthy, and worm-free relationship with your furry friend.
Administer worming tablets with care, washing hands afterward.
Keep leftover tablets out of reach of children.
Maintain basic hygiene in play areas.
Monitor for any accidental ingestion and seek professional advice if it happens.
Intestinal worms can cause serious health issues for your pet and your family, but with a regular de-worming schedule you can protect your pet, home and family from these persistent parasites.
Itch Wormer tablets kills all common intestinal worms and prevent larvae from hatching and multiplying, until your pet's next regular treatment.
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