Pets & Parasites

Parasite control (or deworming) is an important way to safeguard not only your pet’s health, but also that of you and your children. Parasites can affect your pet’s ability to absorb nutrients, damage the lining of its intestinal tract, and cause your pet to become very ill.

Symptoms of Infection

Infected pets may show no symptoms, so regular health exams with a fecal check are important. Symptoms of infection may include: change in appetite, coughing, diarrhea, weight loss, and a rough or dry coat.

Common Parasites

Roundworms

Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasitic roundworm commonly found in the intestines of dogs and cats and shed through their stool. While toxocariasis can cause an eye disease that can cause blindness or swelling of the body's organs or central nervous system, most infections are not serious. Have your veterinarian treat your cat or dog regularly for worms and wash your hands after playing with your pet. Do not let children play in areas soiled with pet waste or eat dirt or sand. Keep sandboxes covered when not in use. Gardeners should wear gloves and practice good hygiene after working in the garden.

Tapeworms

Your pet can contract tapeworms from eating fleas that can harbor the tapeworm in its larval stage or from eating an infected rodent. Segments of the tapeworm resembling bits of rice are often shed in the feces or found clinging to the hair near the rectum.

Hookworms & Whipworms

Hookworms attach themselves to your pet’s intestinal lining, and can cause dark feces or bloody diarrhea. Whipworms, found in the large intestine, can cause diarrhea also. If you notice blood in your pet’s stool, collect a sample and take it to your veterinarian.

Heartworms

Although less common than other worms, heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening infection of the heart caused by the adult stage of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm is present in Oregon, even in the metropolitan areas. Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworm disease. As a part of a regular health exam, your veterinarian may recommend testing and preventative medication for heartworm. Many heartworm preventatives also protect your pet against other types of worms.

Testing & Treatment

Kittens and puppies are commonly infected with parasites and should be tested as part of their early life care, which includes examinations and vaccinations. Typically, your veterinarian will ask you to provide a stool sample for testing. Sometimes, more than one test will be required to ensure that the parasites have been eliminated.

For kittens and puppies, or any pet you suspect may be infected, collect a fresh fecal sample within 12 hours prior to an examination. You may also want to collect any eggs you may see on your pet’s hair. Keep the sample cool or refrigerated. Your veterinarian will examine the sample to identify the parasite. Different parasites will require different treatments, so proper identification is key.

Prevention

An annual fecal check is recommended and can be done as part of your pet’s annual health exam. Preventative medication is available; talk with your veterinarian about whether this medication is appropriate for your pet. To prevent (re)infection, it’s best to keep your pet away from other pets’ waste and dispose of your pet’s own waste quickly.

Have your veterinarian treat your cat or dog regularly for worms, and wash your hands after playing with your pet. As with any health concern involving your pet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you think your pet may be infected with parasites.

Your Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you may want to read these tips about staying healthy and avoiding infections such as toxoplasmosis.