Intestinal Parasites

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Intestinal parasites such as Roundworm (Ascariasis), Hookworm (Ancylostomiasis), and Whipworm (Trichuriasis) can be problematic in dogs and cats. These intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blood tinged or tarry stool, decreased appetite, anemia, inability to thrive, distended abdomen, sudden death or other symptoms. Common modes of infection can be fecal to oral contamination, environmental exposure, or passed from mother to offspring. Serial fecal examinations for diagnosis may be necessary and a variety of effective medications are available to treat parasitic infestation.

Some of these intestinal parasites have zoonotic potential (transmissible to humans) and can be especially harmful in children. The eggs of these parasites can survive in the soil for months to years which can make complete elimination of risk difficult once introduced into the environment. A year round comprehensive parasite prevention protocol is recommended for pet owners to minimize the potential problems of intestinal parasitism to the pet and other family members.

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