Dogs and cats can fall victim to many different types of parasites. Because many of these parasites live in their intestines, veterinarians will take stool samples during your pet’s annual wellness exam to check for signs of intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are not uncommon, especially in young animals, which is why wellness exams are so important for maintaining your pet’s good health.
The most common symptoms of these parasites are diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, coughing, and fatigue. With some parasites, you may be able to see worms in your pet’s stool, bedding, or under their tail.
After a diagnosis has been made, intestinal worms can be treated by using a dewormer solution. There are over-the-counter treatments, but veterinarians have the most powerful and effective dewormers available for treating your pet.
Preventing infection by intestinal parasites is highly dependent on good sanitation practices. Follow these tips to prevent parasites:
-Clean up your pet’s droppings as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of infection.
-Make sure your pet has a source of fresh, clean water, because these parasites can often be found in contaminated water.
-Prevent your pet from eating soil or grass, which can contain parasitic eggs.
If you ever suspect your pet has parasites, please bring them to our office! We will do everything we can to make them better agin.