Parasite Prevention- Intestinal Parasites
Dogs and cats are the preferred hosts of four principal groups of intestinal worms and a few types of microscopic protozoa. The worms are roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and whipworm. The protozoa are coccida, toxoplasma, giardia and ameba. These parasites can cause a host of problems including, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), vomiting, weight loss, anemia, poor coat condition or an overall poor appearance.

Intestinal parasites are most commonly transmitted by ingestion of parasite eggs in the stool, but can be transmitted by drinking contaminated water, swallowing fleas (carrying the infective stage of tapeworms), nursing from an infected mother or eating rodents or another animal that is carrying the infective stage if the worms.

A fecal or stool sample is used to diagnose the presence of parasites. Single celled organisms and microscopic eggs are invisible to the naked eye. We will perform the test to check for presence of protozoa or the parasites’ eggs. Sometimes the test will need to be repeated because adult worms shed their eggs sporadically. Tapeworm segments can be visualized either in the stools or on the pet. They look like small pieces of rice.

Roundworms may be seen in the feces. They are long white worms that look like spaghetti. Occasionally puppies or kittens vomit them up. Once the proper diagnosis is made the correct medication can be dispensed. Most treatments only take a few days but may need to be repeated in a few weeks. We recommend a fecal test in puppies and kittens with each exam for their initial vaccinations. Adult pets should have fecal exams annually or semiannually.

To help prevent your pet from getting parasites or to prevent a reinfection, keep your pet away from areas where other animals relieve themselves. Disposing of your own pet’s waste quickly and proper upkeep of their environment will help as well. Most Heartworm medications offer protection against intestinal parasites as well.

It should be noted that under some conditions, intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans. Pregnant women, children and individuals who are immuno-supressed are especially at risk. Avoid walking barefoot or letting children play in areas where dogs and cats defecate, such as yards, beaches, and sandboxes. Special precautions should be followed by pregnant women in regard to cleaning up waste.


Click on the categories below for more information about parasite prevention:

Intestinal Parasites

Heartworm

External Parasites

Portions copied with permission from the American Animal Hospital Association.
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