There are many types of parasites that are found in the GI
tract of cats and dogs. Worms such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are
very common in almost all parts of the world. These parasites shed their
infective eggs in the pet’s stool and contaminate the environment; some eggs
can live on yards or fields for years. The eggs are ingested by the pet and the
life cycle is completed when the worm grow into an adult in the intestine of a
new host.
Tapeworms are another very common intestinal parasite of
dogs and cats. This parasite is different though, in that it requires
transmission through an intermediate host, most commonly a flea. Other
intermediate hosts can be mice, rats, or rabbits. The dog or cat eats the
intermediate host containing the tapeworm egg, and the tapeworm completes its
life cycle to develop into an adult in the intestine of the dog or cat. The
intermediate host is required, if a pet eats an adult tapeworm or tapeworm
segment, it will not cause tapeworms to grow in its intestine.
Other parasites can live in the intestine that are not worms
such as one-celled organisms called protozoa, which are also prevalent
parasites among pets. Giardia and coccidia are protozoa that can be transmitted
directly from animals to your pet, or your pet can be exposed from contaminated
water. Diagnosis of these parasites requires your veterinarian or their
laboratory finding either the microscopic parasite or its egg in the stool.
The only parasites that can be seen in the stool with the
naked eye are roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms are ivory colored, round
(not flat) in shape, and about 4 to 6 inches long. Tapeworms are ivory colored
and flat in shape. The adult tapeworm is several feet long, but usually you see
only tapeworm segments that look like either sesame seeds or rice. Your pet
could have either of these worms without the adult parasites ever being shed
into the stool. If your pet’s stool looks normal, don’t think your pet can’t be
infected. There is no one drug that can kill all types of intestinal parasites
that exist. Your veterinarian needs to know what kind of parasite(s) infection
is involved, so a correct drug can be prescribed. Also, some of the monthly
heartworm preventatives will also treat roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
If you suspect that your pet may be affected, don’t hesitate
to contact your veterinarian today for direction on what to do! Your
veterinarian will also be able to answer all your questions and help you
prevent your pets from getting parasites in the first place.
