Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Dogs
Intestinal parasites (worms) are very common in cats and dogs especially in young animals or those that go outdoors. These parasites live in the digestive tract and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or a dull coat. Some types can even spread to people, so regular treatment and prevention are important.
Step 1: Treat All Pets
- Your pet’s dewormer will kill the worms currently in their system.
- Give all doses as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early.
- If you have multiple pets, your vet may recommend treating all of them — some parasites spread easily through stool or shared environments.
Step 2: Clean the Environment
Parasite eggs can survive in the environment for weeks, even months.
Keep things clean to prevent reinfection:
- Pick up all stool right away, at least once or twice daily.
- Wash litter boxes or outdoor potty areas daily with hot, soapy water and disinfectant.
- Wash bedding, blankets, and rugs weekly in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Mop hard floors weekly and vacuum carpets or rugs.
- Keep your yard clean and avoid letting dogs eat grass or sniff stool from other animals.
Step 3: Protect Your Family
Some parasites (like roundworms and hookworms) can infect people.
- Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning litter boxes.
- Don’t let pets lick faces, food, or dishes.
- Cover sandboxes or outdoor play areas to keep animals out.
Step 4: Prevention Moving Forward
- Fecal testing: Have your pet’s stool checked at least once or twice a year, or more often for puppies, kittens, and outdoor pets.
- Deworming: Keep pets on monthly heartworm prevention that also controls intestinal parasites.
- Regular cleaning: Continue good hygiene and stool pickup to keep your home and yard parasite-free.
Common Parasites We See
- Roundworms – common in puppies and kittens
- Hookworms – can cause anemia
- Whipworms – persistent and hard to eliminate
- Tapeworms – spread by swallowing fleas
- Giardia & Coccidia – protozoa that cause diarrhea (treated differently than worms)
Protect your pets and family from intestinal parasites! Schedule a check-up with Advanced Pet Care Clinic today to discuss testing, deworming, and prevention strategies for your home.