Complete Care Hospital for Pets

What's in Your Pets Poop?

Are You at Risk?

Do you know what is in your furry friend’s feces?  Dogs and cats can be infected by a variety of intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms and protozoans such as coccidia and giardia.  These parasites can be a health concern to other pets and can even be transmitted to humans.

Pets often contract intestinal parasites when feces containing worm eggs from an infected dog or cat are consumed. Certain parasites can be transmitted to puppies and kittens while in their mother’s womb or while nursing. Tapeworms are transmitted to pets via ingestion of fleas or other intermediate hosts such as small rodents that carry the tapeworm larvae.

One intestinal worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs per day. These microscopic eggs are passed through the pet’s feces and, if not picked up, they spread throughout the environment as the pet roams. Once the eggs are out there, they remain infective despite freezing temperatures and can be a health risk for pets and humans for years.

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in our pets as well as the most likely to be transmitted to humans. If a person unintentionally ingests infective worm eggs (from feces from an infected dog or cat left in the environment), the eggs hatch in the intestinal tract to immature worms. They then travel to different parts of the body, including the eyes and brain, where serious infections occur. Hookworm larvae are capable of penetrating human skin to cause infection. It is vital to not only be aware of these risks for yourself and your pet, but especially for children, the immuno-compromised or those receiving immunosuppressive medication.

To reduce the risk of parasites in you and your pet, follow the following recommendations:

• Use a monthly deworming preventative to help decrease the parasitic infection and egg shedding by your pet.
• Limit access to areas where pets defecate.
• Limit your pet’s interaction with all stray and wild animals.
• Cover your sandbox.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after outdoor activities, handling pet feces and before you eat.
• Pick up your pet’s feces and dispose of it promptly.
• Educate your children….”Do not eat dirt!”

Since intestinal parasites (worms) can be a year-round problem, schedule an exam with your veterinarian today so that you can discuss how to implement year-round parasite control for your pet. For more information, consult www.petsandparasites.orgParasite control will not only keep your pet healthy but it will greatly decrease the risk to you and your family.