Parasites—Internal and External in dogs & cats

What your should know about

What is an intestinal parasite?

            Dogs and cats can serve as “hosts” to many organisms that benefit from living in their intestines, and there organisms are known as intestinal parasites.  Four groups of worms—roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms—and a few species of single-cell organisms, such as coccidian and Giardia, are the most common intestinal parasites.

 How does a pet become infected with intestinal parasites?

            Your pet can become infected with intestinal parasites through many routes, including:

·         Drinking contaminated water

·         Coming into contact with other infected animals

·         Coming into contact with feces containing parasite eggs or larvae

·         Swallowing fleas carrying the infective stage of tapeworms (the pet may swallow a flea when he or she bites or chews at his skin due to flea infestation)

·         Nursing from an infected mother

·         Eating a rodent or other animal carrying the infective stage of a parasite

What type of pet is most likely to get intestinal parasites?

            Any dog or cat can become infected with intestinal parasites, but puppies and kittens are more susceptible than adult dogs and cats.  Young pets can get parasites from their mothers and other infected puppies, kittens, dogs, or cats.

What are the physical signs of a parasitic infection?

       Healthy, well-fed pets may have an intestinal parasite infection without showing any physical signs,
but keep an eye out for these changes:

·         Change in appetite

·         Coughing

·         Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)

·         Weight loss

·         Skin irritation and itching

·         Rough or dry coat

·         Overall poor appearance

A dog may scoot his rear end across the ground or carpet when infected with tapeworms because the worm
segments are irritating to the skin around the anus.  If you suspect the presence of parasites, talk to your veterinarian immediately.

How do I know what kind of parasite has infected my pet?

            You won’t be able to see single-cell organisms because they must be viewed under a microscope. 
Most other parasites are identified by the presence of their eggs in your pet’s fecal matter (bowel movements). 
But these eggs are also too small to be seen by the naked eye, and a veterinary health-care team member will
have to examine the feces under a microscope before your veterinarian can make a diagnosis.

            Tapeworms are one of the few parasites that can be seen by the naked eye.  The segments look like
pieces of rice and appear in a bowel movement or clinging to the hair near the tail.  If you notice these segments,
carefully place them in a small container and take them to your veterinarian for positive identification, along with a
sample of your pet’s feces.  Several types of tapeworms can infect dogs and cats, and it is important to identify
 which ones are present so that your pet receives proper treatment.

            Roundworms are another parasite that may be seen in the feces, especially that of puppies.  Roundworms
 are long white worms that look like spaghetti.  Occasionally a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat will vomit up roundworms.

How is an infection of intestinal parasites treated?

            The medication will vary depending on the parasite(s) involved.  Your veterinarian may prescribe
pills, powders, liquids, or injectable medication.  Many of the medications are easy to administer, and your
veterinarian will advise you if you can give medication to your pet at home.

            Do not use over-the-counter preparations to treat intestinal parasites—they may not be effective
against all types of parasites and may not treat the type of parasite that has infected your pet.  Trust your
veterinarian to prescribe the safest and most effective medication for your pet.

            Most treatments take only a few days, but some require follow-up treatment in a few weeks.  Periodic
 testing is necessary to ensure all intestinal parasites have been eliminated.  In most cases, you should wash your
pet’s bedding and clean his living environment to prevent re-infection.

How do I keep my pet from getting intestinal parasites?

            Bowel movements are the source of most intestinal parasites.  To avoid parasites, keep your from
areas where other animals relieve themselves.  Dispose of your own pet’s bowel movements as quickly as
possible, and keep your pet and his environment clean.  Here are some other ways you can protect your pet:

·         Keep your pet and the environment free of fleas—your pet may swallow a flea that is carrying tapeworm eggs.

·         A fecal check (a microscopic examination of your pet’s feces) as part of your pet’s annual wellness
exam is good preventive medicine.

·         Routine, frequent fecal checks are important for predatory dogs and cats because some types
of worms are ingested when a pet eats an infected rodent.

·         Puppies and pregnant dogs should be treated for intestinal parasites according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

·         Use medications that prevent infection, as directed by your veterinarian.

Can I get intestinal parasites from my pet?

       Under some conditions, intestinal parasites can be transmitted from pets to people.  Especially at
risk are children, pregnant women, and immunocom-promised individuals, such as people with AIDS.  Parasitic
larvae can migrate through the human body and lodge in the eye, brain, or other areas, which can cause
blindness or other severe health problems.  Avoid walking barefoot or letting children play in areas where
dogs and cats defecate (such as yards, beaches, and sandboxes).  The danger is real—discuss the risk with
your veterinarian and physician.

            Intestinal parasites are a threat to you, your family, and your pets.  Your veterinarian should check
your puppy or kitten for intestinal parasites each time he or she is vaccinated.  Your adult dog or cat should be
checked during his wellness exam.  Protect your family and your pet.  Talk to your veterinarian about treatment
 and prevention of intestinal parasites.
 

What you should know about internal parasites in cats and dogs

 

          Most internal parasites are worms and single-celled organisms that can exist in the intestines of dogs or cats. 
The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.  Common single-celled
parasites are coccidia and Giardia.

What are roundworms and how are they spread?

            Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats in the world.  Animals with
 roundworms pass the infection to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are present in
the animal’s feces (droppings).  Your pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil, licking contaminated
fur or paws, or by drinking contaminated water.

            Infected female dogs may pass the infection to their puppies before birth or afterwards when they are
nursing.  Infected female cats cannot infect their kittens before birth, but can pass on the infection through
their milk when kittens are nursing.

What are the health risks to pets and people?

            Puppies and kittens are the most prone to roundworm infection.  Because roundworms live in the
 small intestine, they steal the nutrients from the food your pet eats and that can lead to malnutrition and
 intestinal problems.  As the larvae move through your pet’s body, young animals may develop serious
respiratory problems such as pneumonia.

            Roundworm infections are zoonotic (pronounced zoe-oh-NOT-ick) diseases, meaning that they are
 animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans.  While direct contact with infected dogs and cats increases
a person’s risk for roundworm infection, most infections come from accidentally eating the worm larvae or from
larvae that enter through the skin.  For example, children are at risk for infection if they play in areas that may
 contain infected feces (such as dirt piles and sandboxes), and they pick up the larvae on their hands.

            Left untreated, roundworms in people can cause serious health problems when the larvae enter organs and
other tissues, resulting in lung, brain, or liver damage.  If the roundworm larva enters the eyes, permanent,
partial blindness can result.

What are hookworms and how are they spread?

            Hookworms are the second most common intestinal parasites found in dogs, but they are less commonly
found in cats.  Your pet can become infected when larvae penetrate the animal’s skin or the lining of the mouth. 
An infected female dog can pass the infection to her puppies through her milk, but this does not occur in cats.

What are the health risks to pets and people?

            Hookworms are dangerous parasites because they actually bite into the intestinal lining of an
animal and suck blood.  As with roundworms, puppies and kittens are at high risk of infection and
 developing severe diseases.  Left untreated, hookworm infections can result in potentially life-threatening
blood loss, weakness, and malnutrition.

            Like roundworms, hookworm infections are zoonotic, and infections usually occur by accidentally
eating the larvae or by the larvae entering through the skin.  In humans, hookworm infections cause
health problems when the larvae penetrate the skin.  The larvae produce severe itching and tunnel-like,
red areas as they move through the skin and, if accidentally eaten, can cause intestinal problem.

What are whipworms and how are they spread?

            These worms get their name from their whip-like shape.  Animals with whipworms pass the infection
along to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are passed in their feces (droppings).  Your
pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil or licking their contaminated fur or paws.

What are the health risks to pets and people?

            Like hookworms, whipworms bury their heads in the lining of an animal’s intestine and suck blood, but
they are generally less harmful and usually do not cause health problems.  Occasionally, severe infections can
develop and lead to diarrhea, weight loss, and blood loss.  Whipworm larvae rarely infect humans when
they are accidentally eaten.

What are tapeworms and how are they spread?

            Tapeworms got their name because they are thin and flat, like strips of tape.  Unlike the smooth-bodied
roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, tapeworms’ bodies are actually made up of joined segments.  Dogs
and cats become infected with tapeworms when they eat infected fleas or lice.  They can also get certain types
of tapeworms by eating infected rodents.

What are the health risks to pets and people?

            Tapeworms live in the small intestine and steal the nutrients from the food your dog or cat eats. 
An infection is usually diagnosed when the eggs sacs are seen under the pet’s tail or on its stool.  These
sacs look like flattened grains of rice.  While there are several dewormers available that are effective against
 tapeworms, keeping your pet free of fleas is the best preventative.  Rarely are tapeworms a risk to people.

How can I prevent/treat worm infections?

            Healthy pets may not show outward signs of a worm infection.  However, if you notice a change in your
pet’s appetite or coat, diarrhea, or excessive coughing, see your veterinarian.  In most cases, a simple fecal
test can detect the presence of worm eggs or adults and, if present, your veterinarian will recommend a
deworming program.  A good way to prevent worm infections is by using one of several monthly heartworm
preventatives available form your veterinarian.

            Nursing female dogs and cats and their litters are also major sources for the spread of infective eggs
and larvae.  If you have a new puppy or kitten, or a pregnant pet, consult with your veterinarian about a
deworming program that will reduce your family’s risk of infection.

            Worm infections in humans can be easily prevented by practicing good hygiene and sanitation.  Children
should be discouraged from eating dirt and should not be allowed to play in areas that are soiled with pet feces. 
Sandboxes should be covered when not in use.  Adults and children should always wash their hands after handling
 soil and after contact with pets.  Shoes should be worn when outside to protect feet from larvae present in the
environment, and raw vegetables should be thoroughly washed because they may contain parasites form infected soil.

            Dog droppings should be immediately picked up from public areas and from your yard to reduce the
 chances of contaminating the soil.  Keeping cats indoors is an effective way to limit their risk of exposure to roundworms.

Other internal parasites

Coccidia

            Coccidia (cok-SID-ee-ah) are single-celled parasites and are not visible to the naked eye.  Your pet can
become infected by eating infected soil or licking contaminated paws or fur.  Once swallowed, the parasites
 damage the lining of the intestine and your pet cannot absorb nutrients from its food.  Bloody, watery diarrhea
may result, and the animal may become dehydrated because it loses more water in its stool than it can replace
by drinking.  Young pets are most often infected because their immune systems may not yet be strong enough
to fight off the parasite.  Coccidia can be very contagious among young puppies and kittens, so households
 with multiple pets should be especially careful to practice good hygiene and sanitation.

            A routine fecal test by your veterinarian will detect the presence of coccidia.  Treatment with medications
will prevent the parasite from multiplying and allow time for you pet’s immune system to kill the parasites.

Giardia

            Giardia (gee-AR-dee-ah) is also a single-celled parasite that, if swallowed, damages the lining of the
 intestine and reduces the absorption of nutrients from the food your pet eats.  While most Giardia infections
do not cause illness, severe infections can lead to diarrhea.

            Giardia is harder to diagnose than other intestinal parasites, and several stool samples may have to be
tested before it is found.  If necessary, your veterinarian will recommend treatment with medications to eliminate
 the infection.  Because it is highly contagious among animals, good hygiene and sanitation are important when
there are multiple pets in the household.

Important points about internal parasites

*** See your veterinarian if your pet has diarrhea, weight loss, increased scooting, a
 dull coat, or if you see worms under its tail, in its bedding, or on its stool.

***Prompt treatment of internal parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort,
decreases the chances of intestinal damage, and decreases the chance that your
 pet will infect humans or other animals.

***Good hygiene and sanitation reduce the chances that your pet will infect people
or animals.  You can help prevent the spread of infection by always cleaning
 up your pet’s droppings immediately.

What you should know about External Parasites

            At some point in their lives, many pets experience discomfort caused by external
parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites on their skin or in their ears.  These parasites can be
extremely irritating to pets and can cause serious skin problems or even carry disease. 
Although this brochure provides basic information about the most common external parasites,
your veterinarian is your best source of advice regarding your pet’s needs.  Modern
 medicines make treatment, control, and prevention of many external parasites much
 easier than in the past.

FLEAS

Flea Basics

            Fleas thrive when the weather is warm and humid.  Depending on your climate, fleas
may be a seasonal or year-round problem.  Your pet can pick up fleas wherever an infestation
exists, often in areas frequented by other cats and dogs.  Adult fleas are dark brown, no bigger
than a sesame seed, and able to move rapidly over your pet’s skin.

            Once the flea becomes an adult, it spends virtually all of its time on your pet.  Female
fleas begin laying eggs within 24 hours of selecting your pet as a host, producing up to 50 eggs
each day.  These eggs fall from your pet onto the floor or furniture, including your pet’s
bed, or onto any other indoor or outdoor area where your pet happens to go.  Tiny, worm-like
 larvae hatch from the eggs and burrow into carpets, under furniture, or into soil before
 spinning a cocoon.  The cocooned flea pupae can lie dormant (inactive) for weeks before
emerging as adults that are ready to infest (or reinfest) your pet.  The result is a flea life
 cycle of anywhere from 12 days to 6 months, depending on environmental factors such
 as temperature and humidity.

Diagnosis, Risks and Consequences

            You may not know that your pet has fleas until their number increases to the
point that your pet is obviously uncomfortable.  Signs of flea problems range from
mild redness to severe scratching that can lead to open sores and skin infections (“hot spots”). 
One of the first things you may notice on a pet with fleas is “flea dirt”—the black flea
droppings left on your pet’s coat.  You may not actually see the fleas themselves, but
they can still be on your pet and in the environment.

            Fleas bite animals and suck their blood; young or small pets with heavy flea
infestations may become anemic.  Some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva that
 may result in more severe irritation and scratching; these pets can become severely
itchy from just one or two flea bites.  Also, pets can become infected with certain
types of tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs (a pet using its teeth
 to scratch the flea bites often eats the fleas).  In areas with moderate to severe flea
infestations, people may also be bitten by fleas.  While fleas are capable of
 transmitting several infectious diseases to pets and people, this is rare.

Treatment and Control

            Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate flea control plan for your pet based
 on your needs, your pet’s needs and the severity of the flea infestation.

            Pets at risk for fleas should be treated during the flea season with an appropriate
preventive.  Your veterinarian can recommend a product most suitable for your pet.

            Because much of the flea’s life cycle is spent off of your pet, treating only your pet
will not eliminate the problem.  If you kill the adult fleas and do not kill the eggs, larvae
and pupae, your pet will become reinfested when these fleas become adults and the
cycle will start all over again.  Therefore, in addition to treating your pet, reduce the flea
population in your house by thoroughly cleaning your pet’s sleeping quarters and vacuuming
floors and furniture that your pet comes in contact with frequently.  Careful and regular
vacuuming/cleaning of the pet’s living area helps to remove and kill flea eggs, larvae, and pupae.

            You may be advised to treat your house with insecticides to kill the fleas; consult
with your veterinarian about products safe for use around pets and children.  Flea larvae are
more resistant than adult fleas to insecticides.  With moderate and severe flea infestations,
you may also be advised to treat your yard.  Your veterinarian can recommend an
appropriate course of action and suggest ways to prevent future flea infestations.

TICKS
Tick Prevention Tips
How to remove tick
Tick chart

Tick Basics

            Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, brush, shrubs and wild undergrowth,
and any animal (or human, for that matter) that enters these environments is at risk
of becoming a tick’s host.  Immature ticks often feed on small, wild animals found in
forests, prairies and brush.  Adult ticks seek larger hosts like dogs and cats which venture
 into these habitats.  Tick exposure may be seasonal, depending on geographic location.
 There are many different species of ticks that can affect dogs and cats.

Diagnosis, Risks and Consequences

            Ticks are most often found around your dog’s neck, in the ears, in the folds
between the legs and the body, and between the toes, but they can be found anywhere
 on the body and are usually easily seen of felt.  Cats may have ticks on their neck or face. 
Tick bites can cause skin irritation and heavy infestations can cause anemia in pets. 
An adult female tick can ingest up to 100 times her weight in blood!  Ticks are also capable
 of spreading serious infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted
Fever, and others) to the pets and the people on which they feed.  They can also cause
 tick paralysis.  Disease risk varies by geographic area and tick species.

Treatment and Control

            Prompt removal of ticks is very important because it lessens the chance of
 disease transmission from the tick to your pet.  Remove ticks by carefully using tweezers to
firmly grip the tick as close to the pet’s skin as possible and gently and steadily pulling
the tick free without twisting it or crushing the tick during removal.  Crushing, twisting or
 jerking the tick out of the skin while its head is still buried could result in leaving the
 tick’s mouth parts in your pet’s skin; this can cause a reaction and may become infected. 
After removing the tick, crush it while avoiding contact with tick fluids that can carry
 disease.  Do not attempt to smother the tick with alcohol or petroleum jelly, or apply a
hot match to it, as this may cause the tick to regurgitate saliva into the wound and
 increase the risk of disease if the tick is infected.

            Pets at risk for ticks should be treated during the tick season with an
appropriate preventive.  Your veterinarian can recommend a product best suited to
your pet’s needs.  Owners who take their pets to tick-prone areas during camping,
sporting, or hiking trips should examine their pets for ticks immediately upon returning
 home and remove them from their pets.  If your pet picks up ticks in your backyard,
 trimming bushes and removing brush may reduce your pet’s exposure and risk of
 infestation.  And, if you find ticks on your pet, don’t forget to check yourself for ticks, too!

EAR MITES

Mite Basics

            Ear mites are common in young cats and dogs, and generally confine
 themselves to the ears and surrounding area.  Mites are tiny and individual mites may
be seen only with the aid of a microscope.  Your pet can pick up ear mites by close
 contact with an infested pet or its bedding.

Diagnosis, Risks and Consequences

            Ear mites can cause intense irritation of the ear canal.  Signs of ear mite
 infestation include excessive head shaking and scratching of the ears.  Your pet
may scratch to the point that it creates bleeding sores around its ears.  Excessive
 scratching can also cause breakage of blood vessels in the earflap, causing the
 formation of a pocket of blood (an aural hematoma) that may require surgery. 
A brown or black ear discharge is common with ear mite infections, and secondary
infections with bacteria or yeast can occur.  A swab of the discharge is usually
 examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of ear mites.

Treatment and Control

            Treatment of ear mites involves thorough ear cleaning and medication. 
Your veterinarian can recommend an effective treatment plan.

SARCOPTIC MANGE MITES

Mite Basics

            Microscopic sarcoptic mange mites cause sarcoptic mange, also known as
 scabies.  Sarcoptic mange can affect dogs of all ages and sizes, during any time of the
year.  Sarcoptic mange mites are highly contagious to other dogs and may be passed
by close contact with infested animals, bedding, or grooming tools.

Diagnosis, Risks and Consequences

            Sarcoptic mange mites burrow through the top layer of the dog’s skin and
cause intense itching.  Clinical signs include generalized hair loss, a skin rash, and
crusting.  Skin infections may develop secondary to the intense irritation.  People
who come in close contact with an affected dog may develop a skin rash and should
see their physician.  Sarcoptic mange is usually confirmed by taking a skin scraping
examining it under a microscope.

Treatment and Control

            Dogs with sarcoptic mange require medication to kill the mites and additional
 treatment to soothe the skin and resolve related infections.  Cleaning and treatment
 of the dog’s environment is also necessary.

DEMODECTIC MANGE MITES

Mite Basics

            Demodectic mange caused by demodectic mange mites is mainly a problem
 in dogs.  Demodectic mange mites are microscopic and not highly contagious.  In
general, demodex mites are not spread to other animals or across species.  A mother
 dog, however, may pass the mites to her puppies.

Diagnosis, Risks and Consequences

            Localized demodectic mange tends to appear in young dogs (usually less
 than 6 months old) as patches of scaly skin and redness around the eyes and mouth
and, perhaps, the legs and trunk.  Itching is not common with this type of mite
 infestation unless a secondary infection has occurred.  Unlike other types of mange,
demodectic mange may signal an underlying medical condition, and your pet’s overall
l health should be carefully evaluated.  Less commonly, young and old dogs experience
a more severe form of demodectic mange (generalized demodecosis) and can exhibit
 widespread patches of redness, hair loss, and scaly, thickened skin.  Dogs with
demodecosis can develop secondary bacterial infections which require additional treatment.

            Cats are rarely infected with demodex mites, and the cat demodex mite is not the
same as the dog demodex mite.  Affected cats develop hair loss, crusts and scaly skin
 around the face, neck and eyelids, and may excessively groom the areas.  They may
also be more itchy than dogs affected by demodex.

            Demodectic mange is usually confirmed by taking a skin scraping and examining
it under a microscope.

Treatment and Control

            Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you.  Treatment of dogs
with localized demodectic mange generally results in favorable outcomes.  Generalized
demodecosis, however, may be difficult to treat, and treatment may only control the
condition, rather than cure it.

IMPORTANT POINTS

o   Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time you groom your dog or
 cat or when you return home from areas that are likely to have higher
numbers of these parasites.

o   Consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or licks
its coat, or persistently shakes its head or scratches its ears.  These clinical signs may indicate
the presence of external parasites or other conditions requiring medical care.

o   Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort, decreases the chances of disease
 transmission, and may reduce the degree of home infestation.

o   Discuss the health of all family pets with your veterinarian when one pet becomes infested.  Some
 parasites cycle among pets, making control of infestations difficult unless other pets are considered. 
Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

o   Tell your veterinarian if you have attempted any parasite remedies, as this may impact your
 veterinarian’s recommendation.

o   Be especially careful when applying insecticides to cats, as cats are particularly
sensitive to these products.  NEVER use a product that is not approved for
cats because the results could be lethal.

o   Follow label directions carefully.

o   Leave treatment to the experts.  Your veterinarian offers technical expertise
and can assist you in identifying products that are most likely to effectively
 and safely control your pet’s parasite problem.

 

All Content © 2005 The Patton Veterinary Hospital