Many different species of parasites can be a problem for cats and dogs. To determine if there are intestinal parasites at your pet’s annual wellness visit, veterinarians will take stool samples from them. Wellness exams are vital for protecting your pet’s health because intestinal parasites are not unusual, especially in younger animals.
Diarrhea, weight loss, unattractive coat, sweating, fatigue, and coughing are typical symptoms of these parasites. You can detect worms in your pet’s urine, bedding, or under their tails if they suffer from specific parasites. Intestinal parasites can lead to serious health issues for puppies and kittens. In certain circumstances, it can be dangerous.
Pet owners must be alert for worms as the infestation is typically well going when your pet is showing symptoms. The worms that pets suffer from are generally manageable, provided they are discovered, eliminated, and treated before the beginning of advanced stages of infection.
Intestinal Parasites in Pets
Understanding that untreated dogs can develop worms that cause serious medical issues and health disorders is essential. You and your veterinarian should look into a prevention program. A few of the most commonly used varieties of pet worms include these intestinal parasites.
Roundworm
Roundworms, the most common intestinal parasite, are spread to pets and animals by touching feces where roundworm larvae are born. Pets can contract roundworm infections by eating contaminated dirt, licking their paws and fur following contact with a contaminated surface, drinking polluted water, or coming into contact with cockroaches with roundworm eggs.
Little kittens and puppies are particularly susceptible to roundworms because the parasite drains nutritional elements from our bodies. This can cause malnutrition, respiratory disorders, as well as obstruction in the digestive tract. Only dogs can transmit the virus in the womb, although infected mother cats and dogs can transmit the disease to their children through nursing.
Hookworm
Hookworms, the second most frequent intestinal parasite, are usually found in dogs but can also be observed in cats. Hookworm larvae can enter the pet’s body through the skin or the inside of their mouths and cause infections if they come into touch with the larvae. Mother’s milk that has been contaminated can cause puppies to become sick, whereas cats are not affected by this. Visit a vet website like wellpethumane.com for more information.
Tapeworm
When lice, fleas, or rodents with tapeworm-related infections are eaten, animals and cats can contract tapeworms. The small intestine is home to tapeworms. They rob meals being digested from their nutrition. The cause of malnutrition in animals is this. The tapeworm’s segments can be found in your pet’s feces or underbelly.
Whipworm
As compared to cats, dogs are more frequently susceptible to whipworms. Ingestion of infected dirt or cleaning paws or fur to come into contact with whipworm larvae in the feces of dogs to develop a whipworm infection.
Whipworms enter the intestine’s lining to draw blood out of the body. They are not likely to cause severe health issues; however, they are safer than hookworms. Ensure to get veterinary exams for pets annually.
Coccidia
The dogs and cats can contract coccidia, a single-celled microorganism, when they come into contact with fecal matter harboring the parasite. When a pet is exposed to contaminated dirt, drinks water that is polluted, or rubs its paws or fur that came into contact with the harmful excrement, it could contract an infection. Since coccidia can be highly infectious when kittens or puppies are infected, it is essential to frequently clean up animal waste and change the water surrounding young animals to prevent infection. Consult your veterinarian to learn more about pet protection & prevention.