Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Should Know

Did you know your pet can have intestinal parasites without showing any signs of illness? Intestinal parasites are common in dogs and cats, but routine fecal testing and year-round prevention can help catch and prevent infections before they become a bigger problem.

How Are Intestinal Parasites Diagnosed?

The best way to diagnose intestinal parasites in dogs and cats is through a fecal test. Your veterinarian may ask you to bring in a fresh stool sample that is less than 8 hours old.

Because many pets show no symptoms, you typically cannot tell if your pet has parasites just by looking at their stool. We recommend routine fecal testing at least once a year for adult pets, or more often depending on their lifestyle and risk factors.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Rice-like segments in your pet's stool or around their rear end

• Diarrhea or bloody stool

• Unexplained weight loss

• Excessive coughing

• A dull coat or scooting

Common Types of Intestinal Parasites

Dogs and cats can be affected by several types of intestinal parasites. Here are some of the most common:

• Roundworms: One of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. Pets become infected by swallowing eggs from contaminated soil, water, or surfaces. Puppies can also acquire roundworms from their mother before birth or through nursing. Roundworms can also infect people, especially children.

• Hookworms: Pets can become infected through contaminated soil, by swallowing infected animals, or when larvae penetrate their skin. Hookworms feed on blood and can cause diarrhea, weakness, and potentially life-threatening blood loss if left untreated. They can also infect people through contact with contaminated soil or sand.

• Whipworms: Pets become infected by swallowing eggs found in contaminated soil or on their fur and paws. Many infections cause few symptoms, but severe cases can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, and blood loss.

• Tapeworms: Dogs and cats most commonly get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas during grooming or by eating infected rodents. They are often identified by small, rice-like segments found around your pet's rear end, in their stool, or on their bedding.

• Coccidia: These microscopic parasites spread through contaminated soil, food, or water. Puppies and kittens are especially susceptible. Symptoms can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), loss of appetite, dehydration, and weakness.

• Giardia: A microscopic parasite that affects the intestinal tract and can interfere with nutrient absorption. Pets become infected through contaminated food, water, soil, or surfaces. Symptoms may include diarrhea, greasy stool, excessive gas, and weight loss.

How Are Intestinal Parasites Treated and Prevented?

Treatment depends on the type of parasite. Your veterinarian may prescribe deworming medication for intestinal worms or other medications for single-celled parasites like Giardia and coccidia.

Even if your pet's fecal test is negative, regular parasite prevention is important. Many year-round heartworm and parasite prevention products also protect against certain intestinal worms, fleas, and other parasites. Your veterinarian can help determine the best option for your pet.

You can also help reduce your pet's risk by:

• Keeping pets away from animal feces, contaminated soil, standing water, and rodents.

• Picking up and properly disposing of dog waste promptly.

• Keeping cats indoors to limit exposure to contaminated environments.

• Avoiding dog parks and public areas if your dog has diarrhea or a known parasite infection.

• Practicing good handwashing, especially after handling pet waste.