Common-Parasites

Winrock Animal Clinic

Home>Client Education>CommonParasites

Where pets are family!

Six Most Common Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats

Roundworms

These are worms of the small intestine. They are the largest of the small intestinal worms ranging form 3.5 cm to 15 cm. The female worms are much larger than the males. The lifecycle of the worm includes a larvae migrating phase. Puppies and kitties acquire this larvae stage while nursing on their mom’s mammary tissues. Humans can be infected by ingesting the infective larvae and develop a disease known as Visceral Larva Migrans.

Hookworms

These are worms of the small intestine. They range in size from 6 mm to 20 mm with

the females being the largest. The larvae of these worms can also be transmitted to

puppies and kitties via infected mammary tissue. Humans can become infected with

the larva stage of the worm penetrating the skin and causing Creeping Eruption.

Whipworms

These are worms of the large intestine- mostly the cecum. They affect mostly dogs and rarely cats. These worms are difficult to treat because the eggs can survive for long periods of time no matter what the environmental conditions are like. The eggs are hard to kill and once the get into a backyard area, pets are likely to re-infest themselves with this parasite. Humans are not at risk for this infection.

Tapeworms

The tapeworm that we usually find in dogs and cats is Dipylidium caninum. This species uses a flea for the larval stage to develop which means that your dog or cat must swallow a flea with the larva inside it for the worm to develop in the intestine. Most people will notice body segments of the tapeworms known as proglottids in their pet’s feces and make the diagnosis. Although, people often think their pets have PINWORMS when they see the proglottids. Don’t be fooled. People get pinworms, but dogs and cats do not. Humans can also get tapeworms (mostly from ingesting raw or under cooked pork), but they are not the same species as the dog and cat tapeworms.

Giardia

This is a very common protozoan parasite of dogs and cats. Both stages (cysts and trophozoites) of the protozoa can be found in the small intestine. The cysts will pass out in the feces and typically infect the environment. Contaminated areas are a bigger source for Giardia infestations. Dog parks, kennels, walking areas that are not being kept clean should be avoided. Humans also get Giardia from contaminated or unsanitary water sources.

Coccidia

This is a common parasite of the dog and cat. It causes either a small bowel, large bowel, or mixed bowel diarrhea. Dogs and cats when they are the definitive host, shed the oocyst in the feces. These can be seen on a fecal floatation, thus allowing the condition to be diagnosed by the veterinarian. Very young animals and immune compromised animal are most at risk for developing this infection. Humans can get a form of coccidian known as Toxoplasmosis from ingesting cat feces.

What to know about treatments available….

Prevention is everything. The most important part of prevention is cleanliness. Pick up after your pets when they defecate. Also, speak to your veterinarian about the many great products that can help protect your pet like Heartguard Plus and Sentinel. Keep your pet on some form of flea prevention at all times.

Finally, if your pet does get worms, then see your veterinarian for the appropriate deworming medication.