Dogs and cats are prone to internal and external parasitic infection due to the way they interact with the world. Internal parasites can live in many places in their body, including the intestines, heart, and lungs. In this article, we will address the topic of intestinal parasites - predominantly worms that live in the gastrointestinal tract.
Types of intestinal worm parasites
There are a few different ‘families’ of these worms, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. The worms vary in size and can have different levels of impact, depending on the age of your pet and severity of infestation.
Roundworms
– Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. They live in the intestines and absorb food as it passes through on its journey of digestion. Their eggs are passed in the faeces of infected animals which is how infection can pass from one animal to the next.
Hookworms
– Hookworms hang onto the intestinal wall using sharp teeth and suck blood in the intestinal tract. Hookworm infections may be fatal to young puppies who can become infected whilst in the uterus, or when feeding on milk from their mother.
Tapeworms
– Tapeworms are a commonly found intestinal parasite and are long flat worms made up of many segments. Their eggs are passed in packets, so if you see little ‘grains of white rice’ around your animal’s rear-end, they may be tapeworm segments and you should consult your veterinarian.
Whipworms
– Whipworms live in the caecum and colon of dogs. They rarely affect cats. They bury their head in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and feed on blood.
What threats do they pose?
Parasitic infestations can cause issues in animals of any age, but the effect of a heavy worm burden is usually more dangerous in kittens and puppies due to their smaller size and younger age. Effects can include stunted growth, anaemia and inflammatory intestinal problems.
How can I prevent intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are easy to prevent. Many of the preventatives available cover more than one type parasite and are easy to administer. If you have any questions, it is always best to discuss your options with your veterinarian to determine which parasite control medication is the best for your pet.
How can I treat intestinal parasites?
The treatment of parasites may vary with infection type and severity. The veterinarian may prescribe an anti-parasitic medication to treat any infestation present, or send for a test to determine which parasite may be causing the problem. It is important to ensure your pet is continually well protected against parasites, as re-infection can occur.
Related Product
Intestinal parasites are difficult to detect in your dog. Testing faecels(stool) is a convenient way to check your animal health for intestinal parasites. Regular faecal tests and dog body check are the best way to ensure that your dog and your family are safe from intestinal parasites.
CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Faecal Parasite Test Kit
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