WHAT IS AN INTESTINAL PARASITE?
Dogs and cats can serve as "hosts" to many organisms that benefit from living in their intestines, and these organisms are known as intestinal parasites. Four groups of worms; roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms- and a few species of single-cell organisms, such as coccidia and Giardia, are the most common intestinal parasites.
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HOW DOES A PET BECOME INFECTED WITH INTESTINAL PARASITES?
Your pet can become infected with intestinal parasites through many routes, including:
*Drinking contaminated water
*Coming into contact with other infected animals
*Coming into contact with feces containing parasites eggs or larvae
*Swallowing fleas carrying the infective stage of tapeworms (the pet may swallow a flea when he bites or chews at his skin due to a flea infestation)
*Nursing from an infected mother
*Eating a rodent or other animal carrying the infective stage of a parasite
WHAT TYPE OF PET IS MOST LIKELY TO GET INTESTINAL PARASITES?
Any dog or cat can become infected with intestinal parasites, but puppies and kittens are more susceptible than adult dogs and cats. Young pets can get parasites from their mothers and other infected puppies, kittens, dogs, or cats.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL SIGNS OF A PARASITIC INFECTION?
Healthy, well-fed pets may have an intestinal parasite infection without showing any physical signs, but keep an eye out for these changes:
*Change in appetite
*Coughing
*Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
*Weight loss
*Skin irritation and itching
*Rough or dry coat
*Overall poor appearance
A dog may scoot his rear end across the ground or carpet when infected with tapeworms because the worm segmants are irritating to the skin around the anus. If you suspect the presence of parasites, Call us immediately and we will have suggestions to remedy the situation.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT KIND OF PARASITE HAS INFECTED MY PET?
You won't be able to see single-cell organisms because they must be viewed under a microscope. Most other parasites are identified by the presence of their eggs in your pets' fecal matter (bowel movements). But these eggs are also too small to be seen by the naked eye, and a veterinary health care team member will have to examine the feces under a microscope before your veterinarian can make a diagnosis. Tapeworms are one of the few parasites that can be seen by the naked eye. The segments look like pieces of rice and appear in a bowel movement or clinging to the hair near the tail. If you notice these segments, carefully place them in a small container and bring them to us for positive identification, along with a sample of your pet's feces. Several types of tapeworms can infect dogs and cats, and it is important to identify which ones are present so that your pet receives proper treatment. Roundworms are another parasite that may be seen in the feces, especially that of puppies. Roundworms are long white worms that look like spaghetti. Occasionally a puppy, kitten,dog or cat will vomit up roundworms.
HOW IS AN INFECTION OF INTESTINAL PARASITES TREATED?
The medication will vary depending on the parasite(s) involved. We may prescribe pills, powders, liquids, topicals or injectable medication. Many of the medications are easy to administer, and we will advise you if you can give medication to your pet at home. Do not use over- the-counter preparations to treat intestinal parasites-they may not be effective against all types of parasites and may not treat the type of parasite that has infected your pet. Trust your veterinarian to prescribe the safest and most effective medication for your pet. Most treatments take only a few days, but some require follow-up treatment in a few weeks. Periodic testing is necessary to ensure all intestinal parasites have been eliminated. In most cases, you should wash your pet's bedding and clean his environment to prevent re-infection.
HOW DO I KEEP MY PET FROM GETTING INTESTINAL PARASITES?
Bowel movements are the source of most intestinal parasites. To avoid parasites, keep your pet away from areas where other animals relieve themselves. Dispose of your own pet's bowel movements as quickly as possible, and keep your pet and his environment clean. Here are some other ways to protect your pet:
*Keep your pet and the environment free of fleas-your pet may swallow a flea that is carrying tapeworm eggs.
*A fecal check (a microscopic examination of your pet's feces) as part of your pets annual wellness exam is good preventive medicine.
*Routine, frequent fecal checks are important for predatory dogs and cats because some types of worms are ingested when a pet eats an infected rodent.
*Puppies and pregnant dogs should be treated for intestinal parasites according to your veterinarian's recommendations.
*Use medications that prevent infection, as directed by your veterinarian.
We have a product that can eliminate fleas, most intestinal parasites, earmites, and prevent heartworm infestation, with a once a month application. Ask us about it on you next visit to the office.
CAN I GET INTESTINAL PARASITES FROM MY PET?
Under some conditions, intestinal parasites can be transmitted from pets to people. Especially at risk are children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, such as people with AIDS. Parasitic larvae can migrate through the human body and lodge in the eye, brain or other areas, which can cause blindness or other severe health problems. Avoid walking barefoot or letting children play in areas where dogs and cats defecate (such as yards, beaches, and sandboxes).
The danger is real-discuss the risk with your veterinarian and physician.
*** Intestinal parasites are a threat to you, your family, and your pets. Your veterinarian should check your puppy or kitten for intestinal parasites each time he is vaccinated. Your adult dog or cat should be checked during his wellness exam. Talk to your veterinarian about treatment and prevention of intestinal parasites.
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