"My pet has what?!" is the common response when we tell a client their cuddly foot warmers and pillow sleepers have worms. So what does it mean for your family and your constant companions? This article will help answer some questions and help you understand these unwanted visitors. 

 

    A parasite is a smaller organism that lives on or in a host of another species from which it derives sustenance or protection without benefitting the host - and usually doing harm. Canines and felines may have intestinal parasites, heartworms, and skin mites. You may hear a doctor use the term "zoonotic", and this refers to those parasites that can be transmitted to people by animals via direct contact through bites, scratches or surface contact. Transmission can also occur through water, soil, or the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.

 

    The life cycle of the host parasite determines if a stool sample is positive for a parasite. Pets may have an intestinal parasite even if a fecal test is negative due to the shedding cycle of eggs. A twice yearly check of a sample for all dogs and cats is advised by our doctors. New puppies and kittens are especially susceptible to parasite infestation (they can be passed from the mother) and so should have their stools checked at their initial visit and then as needed in the future. 

 

    Only tapeworms and roundworms are visible to the naked human eye. Doctors and technicians use a microscope to identify which parasites are present in your pet's stool sample. We only need a teaspoon or two of fecal matter to run the test - we strain it and suspend it in a liquid that allows the parasite eggs to float to the top of the test tube and stick to a slide - and voila! we are able to see the microscopic eggs and treat your pet appropriately. 

 

    How do you know if your pet has parasites? A fecal sample can tell us, and is the most definitive way we can diagnose worms. However, your pet may have diarrhea, you may see worms present in the sample or even in vomitus. Other indications of a parasite problem may be a poor hair-coat or swollen abdomen. Sometimes we catch parasites on routine fecal samples when the pet showed absolutely no physical symptoms of having problems. 

 

    Your dog or cat can pick up parasites anywhere. Tapeworms are typically picked up through eating dead animals or by ingesting fleas, so if your pet is a hunter and gatherer and enjoys being outside, they are good candidates for tapes. Owners often describe seeing "pieces of rice" on their pet or in the feces itself. Heartworm preventative does not protect against tapeworms and they are the most common parasite found in pets. 

 

        Roundworms can also be seen by the naked eye and are often described as thin spaghetti. If left untreated, roundworms can grow and cause blockages. They also deprive their host of nutrition, and in a young animal this can be fatal. They can be passed from the mother or picked up in an environment if your pet consumes eggs, larvae or the host. Some heartworm preventatives control roundworms and hookworms. 

 

        Hookworms live in the intestines and feed by repeatedly removing small amounts of tissue from the inside of the intestinal wall. This can result in blood loss and inflammation. If left untreated, hookworms can cause severe infection that can lead to anemia or even death. This parasite can only be identified by microscope and are common in young puppies and kittens. 

 

        Whipworms can also be picked up through fecal oral transmission - even if walking in a neighborhood or playing in a dog park, if your pet licks their paws, they can infect themselves. This is a good reason to pick up stool in your yard - it reduces the chances of re-infestation. 

 

        Coccidia is common in puppies and kittens. It can also be seen in pets who have spent time in poor living conditions. This tiny pest causes diarrhea and vomiting and can be treated over the course of two weeks. 

 

        Parasites can be transmitted to people through contact with a contaminated environment and by larvae penetrating human skin. The symptoms in humans differ from those in pets. Young children are especially vulnerable, so having them wash their hands after playing with their best friend is a good idea.  While parasites may be tiny, if left untreated, they can cause big problems. This is why we encourage routine fecal checks for all of our patients - it is a health issue for them, and a peace of mind issue for you.

-Submitted by Lu