Pets, Parasites and People

Dogs and cats are not just pets. They are treated like members of the family. And like any family member, it’s important to keep your companion animal healthy and free of parasites.

It is common for a dog or cat to become infected with an internal parasite during its lifetime. Internal parasites can cause problems ranging from simple irritation to more serious conditions if left untreated. Some internal parasites can infect and pass on diseases to people. Children, pregnant women, and those with low immunity are at the greatest risk. Your veterinarian can help prevent, accurately diagnose, and safely treat parasites and other health problems that not only affect your dog or cat, but also the safety of you and your human family members.

Internal parasites are harmful organisms that can live inside an unprotected dog or cat. These include:

Tapeworms – Tapeworms get their name because they are thin and flat, like strips of tape. Unlike smooth-bodied roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, tapeworms’ bodies are actually made up of joined segments. Dogs and cats become infected with tapeworms when they ingest infected fleas or lice. They can also get certain types of tapeworms by eating infected rodents.

Roundworms – Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats. Animals with roundworms pass the infection to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are present in the animal’s feces (droppings). Your pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil, licking contaminated fur or paws, or by drinking contaminated water.

Infected female dogs may pass the roundworm infection to their puppies before birth or afterwards when they are nursing. Infected female cats cannot infect their kittens before birth, but they can pass on the infection through their milk when kittens are nursing.

Hookworms – Hookworms are the second most common intestinal parasites found in dogs, but they are less common in cats. Your pet can become infected when larvae penetrate the animal’s skin or the lining of the mouth. An infected female dog can pass the infection to her puppies through her milk, but this does not occur in cats.

Whipworms – These worms get their name from their whip-like shape. Animals with whipworms pass the infection along to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are passed on in their feces (droppings). Your pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil or licking their contaminated fur or paws.

Coccidia – Coccidia are single-celled parasites that are not visible to the naked eye. Your pet can become infected by eating infected soil or licking contaminated paws or fur. Once swallowed, the parasites damage the lining of the intestine, preventing your pet from absorbing nutrients from its food. Bloody, watery diarrhea may result, and the animal may become dehydrated because it loses more water in its stool than it can replace by drinking. Young pets are most often infected because their immune systems may not yet be strong enough to fight off the parasite. 

Coccidia can be very contagious among young puppies and kittens, so households with multiple pets should be especially careful to practice good hygiene and sanitation. A routine fecal test by a veterinarian will detect the presence of coccidia. Treatment with medications will prevent the parasite from multiplying and allow time for your pet’s immune system to kill them.

Giardia – Giardia is also a single-celled parasite that, if swallowed, can damage the lining of the intestine and reduce the absorption of nutrients from the food your pet eats. While most Giardia infections do not cause illness, severe infections can lead to diarrhea and subsequent dehydration.

Giardia is harder to diagnose than other intestinal parasites, and several stool samples may have to be tested before it is found. If necessary, your veterinarian will recommend treatment with medications to eliminate the infection. Because it is highly contagious among animals, good hygiene and sanitation are important when there are multiple pets in the household.

Other Parasites that may affect the health of your pets are:

• Ear Mites
• Fleas
• Mange Mites
• Ticks
• Toxoplasmosis

OBSERVE, PROTECT AND PREVENT

It is easier and less expensive to prevent parasites than to treat them once an infection has occurred. It is also safer for your family to have a parasite-free pet. Year-round prevention is the best way to control parasites. This usually includes a specialized fecal test by a trained laboratory technician.

Dogs and cats become infected when they ingest parasite eggs that have been passed through the feces of an infected animal. People can also accidently ingest these parasite eggs if left in the environment. Your veterinarian is here to diagnose, treat, and prevent parasites. Here’s how you can help by implementing the following three-step program:

OBSERVE

Monitor your dog or cat for changes in behavior, appetite, or water consumption. If your pet is showing any of the following signs, consult with your veterinarian:

• Diarrhea
• Poor condition
• Vomiting
• Distended stomach
• Dull hair
• Worms in feces or vomit
• Coughing
• Weight loss

Even if your dog or cat shows no signs of infection, a routine internal parasite exam is still recommended. This is because animals instinctively hide signs of illness.

PROTECT

Along with the advice from your vet, you can also reduce the risk of infection and protect your family by following these simple steps:

• Properly dispose of your pet’s fecal material
• Wear shoes when outdoors
• Keep the sandbox covered when not in use
• Make sure your pet has clean safe drinking water
• Avoid contact with feces by using gloves
• Encourage children and adults to wash their hands regularly

Tapeworms come from fleas. Flea control is an essential protective measure. Please speak with us about safe and effective flea control.

PREVENT

It is important that you take your dog or cat to see your veterinarian at least annually for a specialized fecal test. This professional examination will identify any parasite that may be present.

If there is an infection, proper treatment can be administered for the specific parasite identified. Remember, your veterinarian is here to help prevent parasites that can affect the health of your pet and family. Along with the advice of your vet, follow these recommendations to prevent parasites infection:

• Have fecal examination done two to four times per year for pets under one year of age
• Have fecal examinations done one to two times per year for adult pets
• Conduct physical examinations and wellness testing one to two times per year
• Use a monthly parasite control product recommended by your veterinarian
• Follow established guidelines for routine de-worming
• Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring
• Tailor parasite prevention programs to parasite prevalence and pet lifestyle

TCAC’s goal is to make sure your pet remains a healthy and happy member of your family. Wellness exams are a vital tool for us to achieve this objective.

Contact Toronto Central Animal Clinic at 416-360-7400 to book your pet’s next appointment.