Pet Posts
Microscopic worm eggs: Hooks and Whips
Microscopic worm eggs: RoundZoonotic Disease
Chesdin Animal Hospital’s goal is to keep your pet as healthy as possible and to help prevent zoonotic diseases. What are Zoonotic diseases? Zoonotic diseases, also called zoonoses, are diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans.
It is common for cats and dogs to become infected with internal parasites some time during their life. Parasites can affect your pet in variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to causing life- threatening conditions if left untreated. Some can even be transmitted to humans.
Parasites that may affect your pet
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
- Coccidia
- Giardia
You may not see any early signs of internal parasites. Almost all kittens and puppies are born with roundworm parasites or acquire them after birth from nursing. Our staff at Chesdin Animal Hospital checks stool samples on regular basis to look for microscopic parasitic eggs. Remember, you will not always see parasites in your pet’s stool. Early detection and treatment are always best.
Some signs of parasitic infection in your pet
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Weight loss
- Dull scruffy coat
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Swollen abdomen (pot belly)
- Adult worms visible in stool
Deworming your pet on regular basis is highly recommended by our veterinarians at Chesdin Animal Hospital. The doctor can recommend an appropriate program, which can be started as early as two weeks of age. Keeping your pet regularly dewormed helps to prevent the shedding of parasite eggs. These parasite eggs can potentially contaminate your yard or anywhere your pet goes. Your pet could be reinfected by these eggs and your family members can be accidentally infected.
Along with deworming regularly, there are other steps you can take to help protect against parasites.
- Clean up pet droppings from your yard a couple times a week. Daily would be the best option.
- Children should not go barefooted, sit, lie or play where pet stools are present.
Clean cat litter boxes every day. Be sure to wash hands afterwards.
- Keep your pet and your yard flea free.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Avoid drinking from streams or other sources where animals may have contaminated it with feces.
- Wash hands after handling pets or handling soil.
Cover sandboxes when children are not using them.