About Worms—Digestive Types
What are worms? YUCK! How does my pet get them? Can I get them too?! GROSS!
Some basic knowledge goes a long way in protecting you and your pets from the hundreds of parasites (worms) your pet may potentially get. Luckily, there are only a few common types to be concerned about and most are easily treated.
Keep in mind puppies and kittens are the most common victims of worms. Hunting animals and animals that eat unknown, outdoor, uncooked foods are also at risk. Animals recently adopted, particularly those that travel to us from warmer climates, are also more likely to be harboring parasites. Fleas are also a source of transmission of worms to your pet. And just walking on ground contaminated by the stool of a parasitized animal may potentially transmit parasites to your pet.
Parasitized pets my have poor haircoats, diarrhea with or without blood, gas, weight loss or poor weight gain or may appear perfectly healthy! Diagnosis of parasites is generally based on the fecal floatation (stool check). Please understand, one negative stool sample does not guarantee a pet that is totally free of parasites! Pets are generally infected with worms from their dam (mother), prey sources or previously infected grass/soil. People get worms from their pet by fecal-oral contact (accidentally getting pet stool on your hand and bringing your hand to your mouth) but also may get certain types of worms through infected grass/soil.
To keep your human family safe:
Always practice good hygiene- wash your hands before eating and after petting or bathing your pet, working outside, cleaning the litter box or taking out the garbage. Teach your children to do the same.
Keep your lawn free of pet stool. Pick up droppings as soon as possible, ideally in less than 24 hours.
Check new pets for parasites and treat appropriately, then take preventative measures and strategically deworm your pets.
Use appropriate flea prevention products for your pet.
Clean all indoor accidents by wearing gloves, disposing of the stool appropriately (garbage or sewer), then disinfecting the area.
To keep your pet family safe:
Check new pets for parasites and treat appropriately, then take preventative measures and strategically deworm you pets.
Use appropriate flea prevention products for you pet.
Keep your lawn free of pet stool. Pick up droppings as soon as possible, ideally in less than 24 hours.
Strategic deworming involves the use of Heartworm preventions (like Heartgard or Interceptor Plus) for dogs and periodic deworming of outdoor, hunting cats. Strategic deworming is used to keep parasite loads low to nonexistent in at risk animals.
Most Common Digestive System Parasites:
Roundworms (Ascarids) – very common in puppies and kittens, typical “sand box” worm
Tapeworms – very common in hunting animals or animals exposed to fleas
Whipworms – less common but causes a vile, sustained diarrhea and can contaminate soils for years
Hookworms – less common but can cause serious disease and can cause exposure through skin contact with ground
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