By Elaine Furst For Dog Files

Sweden’s national veterinary institute, the SVA warned Swedish dog owners to refrain from smooching their pooches over fears their dogs could be carrying a deadly parasite.

The SVA gave the warning after cases were recorded of dogs carrying the dwarf tapeworm without showing symptoms yet it can be fatal if contracted by humans.

While it was uncertain how widespread the problem was, Sweden’s dog owners were urged to de-worm their pets, especially in areas where they roamed the countryside unsupervised.

Owners were also advised to wash their hands after petting their animal as the tapeworm’s eggs can become trapped in a dog’s coat and be passed on through stroking.

It’s believed that dogs become infected with the tapeworm after eating rodents.