March is Intestinal Parasite Month

There are many intestinal parasites which can not only affect dogs and cats, but also humans.  This is a brief overview of the more common parasites.  For a complete list and explaination of the parasites please visit the Compainion Animal Parasite Concil. 

 Many of these parasites can be transmitted from your pet to you and your children.  
Prevention and regular testing for these parasites is the extremely important.

1. Tapeworms - most often transmitted by fleas this worm often causes few visible symptoms other than it's visible presence in the feces.
2. Roundworms - most often transmitted in the feces and milk.  This parasite often causes a potbellied appearance, poor hair coat, decreased weight gain, and vomitting.
3. Whipworms - most often transmitted in the feces and causes bloody diarrhea which can be severe enough to lead to anemia.
4. Hookworms  - most often transmitted in the feces this parasite cause nausea, intermittent diarrhea and anemia.
5. Coccidia - most often transmitted in feces this parasite will cause irretractable diarrhea.  These animals can become dehydrated.
6. Giardia - most often transmitted through feces and water this parasite causes diarrhea and lethargy.

This is only a brief list of the more common parasites.  For more information about these and other parasites please visit the website above.  If you have further questions, please call us at 949-5030.