Among the most common intestinal parasites are intestinal worms. They are parasites that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of our pets. They can affect both dogs and cats alike at any age. The most common worms in dogs and cats are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Puppies and kittens are particularly prone to intestinal worms through infection from their mothers before they are even born. In both young and adult animals, intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, poor growth, and even death if left untreated. Puppies and kittens are especially sensitive to the ill-effects of infection with internal parasites and often show more severe symptoms.
Reinfection with intestinal worms is also very common in dogs and cats because of how they interact with the world around them. Routine sniffing behavior, direct ingestion of feces or prey animals, infestation with fleas, or the sharing of a litter box can result in a pet having intestinal parasites on a regular basis.
It is important to remember that not all worms are killed using the same treatment plan and no single dewormer works against all kinds of parasites. Stool samples provide very valuable information to help us determine if your pet is infected with specific intestinal worms. Our nurses use a special technique to look under the microscope for the presence of worm eggs. This helps our veterinarian figure out the best way to treat your pet and keep them as healthy as possible!
Please contact us to discuss your pet’s health and any concerns that you may have. Our care team would be pleased to discuss the best intestinal parasite medications available to meet your pet’s specific needs!