Common Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Dogs -

Intestinal parasites are a common problem in many animals, cats and dogs are no exception. We see it mostly in our younger pets, but also in pets that are not on monthly prevention. Due to our moist environment, many parasites can survive well in the soil for a long period of time. Understanding, controlling, and preventing intestinal parasites is very important to the health of your pet as well as to you.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs can vary from the type of intestinal parasite your pet is diagnosed with. Common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), weight loss, and pot-bellied appearance. Visible worms in feces can even be seen if the burden of the parasite is heavy enough.

You should contact your veterinarian if your pet has any of these symptoms.

How Does my Animal get Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal Parasites are obtained mainly by fecal/oral contact; this means that your pet has ingested fecal material. Such as the animal stepping in a contaminated fecal sample and then cleaning their paws. Some parasites can also be passed down from mother to puppy, through the placenta or during nursing. While others are obtained by ingesting an ectoparasite (Flea).

Different Types of Intestinal Parasites

Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum): Hookworms infect dogs and cats and are considered the most pathogenic. Adult hookworms reside in the small intestine of the animal and feed on blood. They can reach about 1-2 cm in length.
Roundworms (Toxocara canis): Roundworms are commonly found in dogs and cats, they are long, tube-shaped worms that live in the intestines, but can migrate through the walls of the liver and lungs as well. Roundworms are commonly referred to as having the appearance of spaghetti. In large numbers it can stunt the puppy’s growth.
Whipworms (Trichuris Vulpis): Whipworms commonly inhabit the cecum and colon of dogs; they will firmly attach to the wall of the mucosa which will cause severe irritation to the intestinal lining. These intestinal parasites are about ¼ inch long.\
Coccidia (Isospora spp.): There are several species of coccidia, this is a single-celled organism (not a worm) that can live in the gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum,dog) (Taenia taeniaeformis, cat): Tapeworms are a long flat segmented parasite. Often referred to as a ‘white grain of rice’. Tapeworms are spread by ingesting a flea who is carrying the tapeworm ova, this then allows the larvae to develop and live in the animals’ small intestines. Tapeworms will attach themselves to the lining of the animal’s gut and feed off the nutrients inside their intestines.
Giardia (Giardia duodenalis): Giardia is a single celled organism that is found all over the world. There are two types of giardia, the trophozoite and the cyst. Trophozoite is the form that lives within the host and will attach (Parasitic stage). Whereas the cyst is the form that lives out in the environment (Contagious stage). These can be passed in fresh feces; however, they can survive in the environment and are generally found in water/soil, such as around lakes, ponds, rivers.

How are Intestinal Parasites Treated/Prevented

Intestinal Parasites are treated based on the type of intestinal parasite found. This is done through a veterinary office, using a fecal flotation/intestinal parasite screening. A fecal sample is needed to run this type of test. Eggs will be identified on specific testing which will lead your veterinarian to confirmation.

Some intestinal parasites are more difficult to identify as well as to treat. Routine fecal evaluations are strongly recommended. Pets in high parasite populations should have fecal testing as often as every 4 months.

Most intestinal parasites can be prevented by keeping your pet up to date on a monthly heartworm/flea prevention. You can discuss this more with your veterinary team.

Who’s at Risk for Intestinal Parasites

Many of these intestinal parasites are zoonotic. Zoonosis is defined as infections that are spread between people and animals. It is important to make sure to keep the environment with the affected animal clean, which means picking up feces immediately so it’s not in direct contact with the soil. Good hygiene at home is very important to keep from them becoming infected; hand washing, not kissing paw or allowing infected animals lick your face.

K. Muzzin, CVT