I usually include a picture related to what I am talking about in my posts but trust me, you don't want to see what I found when I searched Google. Instead I will post a picture of an adorable kitten. Keep in mind that these worms can be found in humans as well as well as animals.
Disease: Hookworm Infection
Hookworms are thick, short worms that are whitish to reddish brown with a hooked front end. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Through ingestion of larvae from contaminated environments, ingestion of infected prey and larval penetration of the skin. Puppies may also become infected during nursing.
Signs and complications in pets: Diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, and deterioration of the skin and coat condition; adult dogs and cats may not show signs
How your veterinarian detects it: Performing a fecal examination and observing worm eggs under the microscope
Preventing the disease in pets and people:
- Promptly remove animal feces from your yard.
- To limit pets’ exposure to contaminated environments, keep dogs on leashes or in a fenced area and keep cats indoors.
- Deworm puppies as recommended by your veterinarian, then follow with a monthly parasite-prevention product.
- Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
- Cover children’s sandboxes when not in use.
- Wear shoes and gloves when gardening.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going outside.
Disease: Roundworm Infection
Roundworms are large worms that look like spaghetti when passed. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Through ingestion of eggs in contaminated environments, ingestion of infected prey and during nursing. Puppies can also be infected while in the womb.
Signs and complications in pets: Abdominal distension, vomiting, failure to gain weight
How your veterinarian detects it: Performing a fecal examination and observing worm eggs under the microscope
Preventing the disease in pets and people:
- Promptly remove animal feces from your yard.
- To limit pets’ exposure to contaminated areas, keep dogs on leashes or in a fenced area and keep cats indoors.
- Deworm puppies as recommended by your veterinarian, then follow with a monthly parasite-prevention product.
- Promptly treat infected pets to prevent the shedding of roundworm eggs, which are hardy and long-lived.
- Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
- Cover children’s sandboxes when not in use.
Disease: Tapeworm Infection
Tapeworms are worms with a flattened, ribbon-like appearance. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Ingesting infected fleas and prey
Signs and complications in pets: Many pets show no signs; tapeworm segments that look like rice or sesame seeds may be found around the anus; pets may have anal itching that causes them to drag their hind ends across the floor
How your veterinarian detects it: Observing tapeworm segments in freshly passed feces and performing a fecal examination
Preventing the disease in pets and people:
- Make sure all family pets use a monthly flea-prevention product recommended by your veterinarian.
- Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
- Deworm pets that are good hunters as recommended by your veterinarian to keep the parasite burden down.
All information from VetStreet.
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