Roundworms, hookworms and tapes... oh my!

Most of us don't like to think about our dogs and cats having parasites living inside their bodies but knowing some basic facts is important because intestinal parasites - ones that live inside an animal's gastrointestinal (GI) tract- can cause some serious health problems.

The most common small animal intestinal parasites in North America are roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. While these worms live inside our pet's GI tract, they consume nutrients that were destined for our dog or cat. Because of where these worms live, their larvae, or eggs, are shed into the animal's feces, which is one main way other animals contract the worms. Our pets can contract tapeworms by ingesting fleas that are infested with tapeworm eggs, or by eating infested birds or rodents. Generally speaking, you won't be able to see the worms because the various larvae are microscopic. Sometimes, though, tapeworm segments may appear on your animal's fur- these look like dry segments of rice. Roundworms, which look like spaghetti, can occasionally be seen in an animal's stool or vomit if they have a large infestation.

Kittens and puppies can contract worms before being born and also through nursing. Most veterinarians will deworm young pets with an oral medicine that kills adult worms. They will repeat this a few times to kill the worms that have hatched since the initial dose.

Signs that your dog or cat may have intestinal parasites include: a pot-bellied appearance in kittens and puppies; weight loss; coarse, dull or clumped hair; vomiting or diarrhea; bloated appearance; scooting; chewing or licking under the tail; lethargy and increased appetite.

Your veterinarian can diagnose GI parasites from a fresh sample of your pet's stool, since that is where the eggs are shed. If the presence of worms is confirmed, your pet will likely be treated with a "broad spectrum" dewormer that targets and kills roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, even if not all of the worms are present. There are a variety of products available and many also prevent heartworm infection and can be given monthly. This is helpful if you know your pet has access to other dogs or if your cat is a good mouser who likes to eat her prey. You can guarantee these animals are exposed regularly to parasite larvae so it is good practice to routinely deworm them.

Humans, particularly children, can also contract roundworms from infective feces. Gardening with gloves on, not walking barefoot outside, washing hands routinely after cleaning litter boxes or handling our pets and maintaining strict hygiene when kids have played in sandboxes are ways we can prevent getting infected ourselves. Small animal roundworms know that humans aren't their correct host but the larvae can do a lot of severe damage as they try to migrate outside of our bodies.

Maintain annual Wellness Exams, keep litter boxes clean, deworm all new kittens, puppies and new adult additions and provide year-round flea preventative for your pets. Ask your veterinarian which product they recommend to take care of the GI parasites just waiting to worm their way into your dog or cat!