Parasites....worms....eew! Nobody likes to think about their pets possibly having intestinal worms, but it's something that every pet owner needs to be aware of.
Endoparasites are parasites that live inside the body. They are also known as Intestinal Parasites or Intestinal Worms. The microscopic eggs of these parasites are usually shed in the feces of the infected animal, thereby also infecting the ground where that animal has defecated. Another animal comes by, walking through the area and picking up traces of feces and infected soil on the paws. The animal later licks to groom himself, paws included, and by doing so ingests the parasite eggs and infects himself.
Puppies and kittens can also become infected in utero, even if the mom is healthy. Pregnancy can affect the immune system, making any dormant parasites active and they can be passed to the young. Newborn puppies & kittens also have weak immune systems following birth and are more susceptible to anything in the ground.
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies, kittens, and even stray animals roaming free. But our adult pet dogs and inside only cats? You betcha'!
Roundworms and Hookworms are the most common intestinal parasites found in pet dogs and cats, and among the most dangerous for people.
Parasites...in people?! Yes! Some intestinal parasites that our pets can get can also infect humans, which implies that they are Zoonotic (transferable between species). Most people who contract parasites such as roundworms and hookworms are either children, or immuno-compromised for some reason (HIV, on chemotherapy, pregnant, etc).
ROUNDWORMS: This is the most common intestinal parasite found in dogs and cats, and can affect humans. It humans, this parasite can travel and affect the liver, heart, lungs, brain or eyes.
HOOKWORMS: Probably the second most common intestinal parasite found in dogs and cats. In humans, this parasite can enter into the body via the skin and travel, affecting skin and internal organs.
WHIPWORMS: This parasite is found in dogs and is very difficult to eradicate from the environment.
TAPEWORMS: Pets become infected with tapeworms one of two ways: ingesting fleas, or catching/eating rodents. Owners often notice the egg packets, which resemble pieces of white rice, on the pet's rear end, tail, or bedding.
All of these parasites can cause diarrhea, changes in appetite, anemia, weight loss, dull hair coat, and problems with internal organs. Intestinal parasites are diagnosed by a fecal floatation test to visualize the eggs in the stool. It's rare to actually see the worms in the stool.
Here are a few startling, eye-opening facts about intestinal parasites from the Companion Animal Parasite Council & the Centers for Disease Control:
1) Cockroaches, mice and flies all can carry roundworm eggs. Cats and some small dogs will hunt/chase anything that moves!
2) 15% of commercial potting soil contains roundworm eggs. Many of us have houseplants inside, or garden outdoors and bring a little soil in on our clothing and shoes.
3) The Northeast has the highest prevalence of roundworms than any other part of the country.
4) People and other animals that do go outside can bring in different parasites that can affect indoor only animals such as cats.
5) A study conducted in 2007 by the CDC proves that almost 14% of the
6) The same study also states 'Although most persons infected with roundworms have no symptoms the parasite is capable of causing blindness and other systemic illness.'
7) Children and immune-compromised people, such as cancer patients, people with HIV or AIDS and organ transplants, are more susceptible of being infected with these parasites.
8) 40% of immune-compromised people have a pet at home.
9) Roundworms are prolific egg producers and are estimate to produce as many as 24,000 eggs per day.
10) It is estimated that 3 million to 6 million people in the
*Shudder!*
That being said, proper hygiene for yourselves and proper parasite preventative care can keep parasites to a minimum.
1) Always pick up your dog's stool from the yard or on walks. Wash hands afterwards!
2) Scoop your cat's litter box at least daily. Wash hands afterwards!
3) Have your pet's stool tested at least yearly for intestinal parasites (more often if your pet has episodes of diarrhea).
4) Most heartworm preventatives also work to deworm your pet against common parasites: a 2 for 1 deal!
5) Consider deworming outdoor cats at least yearly with a prescription de-wormer from your veterinarian.
6) Always wash your hands after playing with pets.
7) Discourage children from running barefoot in the yard.
Together, we can beat the fight against parasites!
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in
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