Intestinal Parasites: Common Types Your Pet Can Get

Intestinal Parasites: Common Types Your Pet Can Get

Different parasite species can be a problem for cats and dogs. For a look-up of evidence of intestinal parasites, veterinarians will take stool samples of them during your pet’s annual wellness visit. Wellness checks are essential to maintaining your pet’s overall health as intestinal parasites aren’t uncommon, especially in young animals.

Diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, and coughing and fatigue are typical signs of these parasites. It is possible to detect worms in your pet’s feces bedding or under their tails if they’re suffering from specific parasites. Intestinal parasites can lead to serious health issues in puppies and kittens. In some cases, they may even prove deadly.

Pet owners must be alert for worms since the infestation is generally underway when your pet exhibits symptoms. Worms for pets are generally manageable, provided they are identified, stopped, and treated before the onset of the more advanced stages of the disease.

Intestinal Parasites in Pets

It is crucial to realize that, if left untreated, dogs can develop worms that cause serious medical issues and health problems. You and the veterinarian must consider a pet worm prevention program. A few of the most commonly used pet worms comprise those intestinal parasites listed below.

Roundworm

Roundworms, the most prevalent intestinal parasite, are spread to dogs and cats by touching feces, where roundworm larvae grow. Pets can contract roundworm infections by eating dirt that has been contaminated by licking their feet and fur after touching a dirty surface, drinking polluted water, or getting in contact with cockroaches that carry roundworm eggs.

Little kittens and puppies are more at risk from roundworms since the parasite dries up nutritional elements from our bodies, which could lead to malnutrition, respiratory disorders, and intestinal obstruction. Dogs are the only animals that can transmit their virus during the womb, but infected cats and dogs can transmit the disease to their offspring through nursing. Go to a vet website to read more details.

Hookworm

Hookworms are the second most prevalent intestinal parasite and are usually found in dogs but can also be detected in cats. Hookworm larvae may enter a pet’s body through the skin or the mouth lining and cause infections if they touch the larvae. The mother’s contaminated milk can make puppies sick, but cats don’t suffer this.

Tapeworm

When lice, fleas, or rodents with tapeworm-related infestations are consumed, dogs and cats are susceptible to tapeworms. The small intestine is the home of tapeworms. They rob foods that are digested of their nutrients. Animal malnutrition may result from this. Tapeworms can be seen in the feces of your pet or underbelly. Always ensure an annual dog checkup for your pet.

Whipworm

In comparison to cats, dogs are more often infected by whipworms. Ingestion of infected dirt or licking contaminated fur and paws to get in contact with whipworm larvae in feces can cause whipworm-related illness.

Whipworms infiltrate the large intestine’s lining to draw blood from the body. They usually do not cause serious health issues, but they are far safer than hookworms.

Coccidia

Canines and cats are susceptible to contracting coccidia, a single-celled organism when they come into contact with feces that harbor the parasite. When a pet eats contaminated dirt, drinks contaminated water, or licks their paws or fur that has come into contact with contaminated excrement; they could contract an infection. Since coccidia is highly infectious in puppies and kittens, It is essential to frequently get rid of animal waste and change the water surrounding young animals to avoid infection. Visit a veterinary website; their vaccination for pets service has more details.