Intestinal Parasities in Pets - Facts and Treatment

Internal parasitic infestation is a common threat to pets irrespective of age, season and place.

Roundworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms and Hookworms are the major intestinal parasites that pets get infected with. It is believed that deworming is equally necessary for kittens and puppies as it is for older pets.

Veterinarians recommend starting worming treatments for puppies and kittens at the age of 2 weeks and continue treating at the interval of 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Adult pets are recommended to be treated every three months. It is important that you know the details about these parasites, how do pets get infested and how to fight them to keep your pets healthy and worm-free.

Common Intestinal Parasites- Facts

Roundworms Puppies and kittens are most susceptible to roundworms. Most of the puppies and kittens are born with roundworm infestation. The basic symptoms of roundworm infestation are diarrhoea, poor growth, vomiting, and ‘pot’ belly. Older dogs may get infected by coming in contact with contaminated soil or eating mice, birds and other hosts that are already infected with this parasite.

Tapeworms Tapeworms are usually considered to be the least dangerous of all the worms. There are two types of tapeworms, Flea Tapeworm and Hydatid Tapeworm. Flea tapeworm infestation is the most common tapeworm infection in Australia. They live in the small intestine. The general signs of this infestation in pets are irritation in anal region, scooting of pets on ground frequently, and visible tapeworm segments that are rice grain shaped in the pet’s faeces.

Hookworms Hookworm infestation is commonly found in puppies and kittens. This infection can be fatal as this parasite resides in a pet’s intestinal lining and feed on their blood and fluids. The common symptoms of Hookworm infestation are bloody diarrhoea, anaemia, tarry faeces, depression and lethargy. Transmission of larvae found in soil by eating or penetrating through the pet’s feet or through faeces of the infected pet are the major causes of this infestation.

Whipworms Whipworms are usually found in adult dogs. These parasites reside in large intestine and are attached to the intestinal wall and cause inflammation as well as irritation. On getting

infected with this worm your pooch or kitty may show signs like intermittent diarrhoea which may have traits of fresh blood and mucus in it, dehydration and weakness. Pets may also have anaemia due to blood loss and thus in some cases it may also turn fatal.

How do the pets get infected with internal parasites?

The following are some of the probable reasons of your pet getting worm infestation: 

Coming in contact with the faeces of an infected pet

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Intake of contaminated water

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Feeding on raw animals that were infected with intestinal worms

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Coming in contact with infected pet

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Puppies get infected through their mothers

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Eating fleas having tapeworm eggs in case of flea tapeworm infestation

Internal parasitic infestation in common in pets and therefore it is recommended not to miss any deworming dose. The most popular dewormers for dogs are Milbemax, Drontal, Cazitel and Canex. The most sought after wormers for cats are Virbac, Popantel, Felex Plus, and Drontal. Keep your companions away from faeces and don’t let them chase rodents and other animals.

Use of these treatments is necessary for keeping pets safe from the gastrointestinal worm infestation. Make sure you give your pet’s stool sample for annual vet examination and talk about the worming treatments. Observe your furry friends for the above mentioned symptoms and visit your vet if the signs are extreme.