Should I Seek a Pediatrition?

They are not hookworms. Hookworms do not come out in poop, only their microscopic eggs, the worms latch into the intestine. What you see are tapeworms. Hookworms (a type of roundworms) are almost impossible to see with the human eye, but the tapeworms are not. Roundworms can be seen in long sections, tapeworms will be little segments, like rice.

Fleas are what carries tapeworm, not hookworm. Hookworm is passed by accidentally ingesting larvae in the environment, through and infected mother's milk or puppies born with it, and larvae can actually crawl into human skin (eww).

Hookworm eggs/larvae can lie dormant for years in the ground. Tapeworms are not as harmful as hookworms, but hookworms can be dangerous to children and can cause anemia among other issues.

Even if you remove infected dog poop, the eggs can still be in the grass/yard.

You can collect a stool sample from your child to see if worms are present, you can take them to the pediatrician. Do not use any kind of cloth or paper towel to pick up or wrap the poop it as the fibers can mask and/or absorb the worms, just put it in a plastic bag. Info on what to look for if your child is infected and how to treat it here: I would call the nurses line just in case.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/206919-how-to-treat-tap...

Okay, I am grossing myself out. I have worked with animals a few years at a vet and emergency clinic and shelter as well and have seen some royally disgusting things. Hookworm infections can be very serious, tapeworms not as much.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/worms.htm
http://www.dr-dan.com/hookworm.htm
http://www.dog-health-guide.org/dogwormstypes.html

Relax those are tape worms that dogs get from eating fleas. Humans don't get them from Dogs. Get the medicine from the vet and everyone will be fine.

If it were a cat, that might be a different story. A litter box is more accessible as well as their food and water bowl. I wouldn't worry to much, unless he is playing with the poop, and then ingests it. Make sure he washes his hands after playing with the dog, and being outside. I don't think you have much to worry about! :)

It's really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. I am wondering if you might be able to call your regular pediatrician's office and speak with an on call nurse or someone who is covering your doctor's vacation. (I can't believe there is nobody covering his office.) Just explain what's going on, and if the nurse or covering doctor thinks a visit is warranted.

Some hospitals have a nurse helpline you can call and even my insurance has a nurse advice line we can call to ask for advice...in case nobody is covering the doctor's practice.

Go with your gut on this, but I'd suggest a few phone calls first. Why go in for a visit if you don't have too?

Another though, perhaps you could call your local public health office and ask some questions...

Nah. I'm pretty sure the only thing you have to worry about in your son is pinworms, and you can get the medication over the counter. I don't think he will get them from the dog, but if that's possible, just look at your son's poop. You can see pinworms in the poop, or sometimes crawling on his anus, if he has them. My kids had a bout with them when they were little.

As for the dog, some types of worm meds can be bought at a pet store, and some have to be prescribed, depending on the type of worm.

We just had the same experience (except with cats). Our pedi recommended Reeses Pinworm Medicine. It is an over the counter, one dose, broad spectrum, anti-parasitic. She explained that my 2 year-old could not get the tape worms from the dog, but I could still give my daughter the medicine, so I would stop worrying. LOL. Found it at Walgreens for about $12. Good luck.