Internal Parasites

The most common internal parasites effecting dogs and cats are a group of worms and protozoan that live in the intestine.

Examples of these include:

  • Round Worms

  • Hook Worms

  • Tape Worms

  • Giardia

  • Coccidia

  • Most common symptoms include: diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Sometimes, you can see the worms in the stool or vomit. YUCK!

  • Internal parasites can be passed from animal to animal through eating animals outside, drinking infected water, sniffing or eating infected stool, and sometimes passed from mother to baby.

  • A stool sample is often needed to diagnose a specific type of intestinal parasite. Because treatment varies by infection, it is important to diagnose the parasite accurately.

  • All pets should recieve deworming medication to prevent infection. Some flea and tick prevention medications are combined with internal parasite protection.

Heartworms

Heartworms are an internal parasite that live in the heart and blood vessels. These can spread from the heart into the lungs causing severe tissue damage.

  • Some pets experience no symptoms of heartworm until it’s too late. This is why prevention and detection is so important. Symptoms of advanced infection include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and trouble breathing.

  • Heartworms come from infected mosquitoes. This means that indoor and outdoor pets are at risk of infection.

  • A blood test is required to diagnose heartworm disease. Treatment is extensive and costly with a combination of oral and injectable medications. Side effects of the treatment can be fatal.

  • Monthly preventatives are available through a vet prescription.

Fleas & Ticks

These external parasites are some of the most common concerns plaguing pet parents. Aside from itching and discomfort, fleas and ticks spread various diseases. The most common tick borne illnesses include Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis.

  • Tick Borne Illnesses can display a variety of symptoms including:

    • Muscle Weakness

    • Coughing/Difficulty Breathing

    • Seizures

    • Neurological Issues

    • Fever

    • Vomiting/Diarrhea

  • A blood test is required to diagnose tick borne diseases. Treatment usually includes symptom management and antibiotics.

  • Monthly preventatives are available over-the-counter and through a vet prescription.