Worms are a common problem in dogs and cats alike, and worms are not the only type of intestinal parasites that pets can carry, either. But how can a pet owner determine whether their dog or cat is infected with these parasites?
Can I Tell From Looking at My Pet’s Feces if He Has Worms?
No, a visual examination of your pet’s feces cannot tell you that your dog or cat does not have worms.
It is possible, in some instances, to see adult worms or worm segments passing in the feces. If you see this, it is certain that your pet has worms. The most commonly seen are roundworms, which appear as long, skinny worms resembling spaghetti, and tapeworms, which look like small grains of rice.
While you can definitely say that your pet has worms if you do see them in the feces, you cannot assume that your pet is parasite-free if you do not see them.
What Is the Best Way of Finding Out if My Dog or Cat Has Intestinal Parasites?
The best way to determine whether your dog or cat is infected with parasites is to have your pet’s feces examined by your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will use specialized techniques to process your pet’s feces and will examine the feces microscopically for parasite eggs and tiny parasites such as coccidia and Giardia that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. This is the most accurate means of determining whether your pet has intestinal parasites or not.
How Often Should My Pet’s Feces Be Tested?
For an adult dog or cat, generally testing once yearly is recommended. For a puppy or kitten, many veterinarians recommend routine deworming procedures for roundworms and hookworms in addition to testing the feces for other types of intestinal parasites. This is due to the fact that most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms and/or hookworms.
Why Should I Worry About Whether My Dog or Cat Has Worms or Other Intestinal Parasites?
Besides affecting your pet’s health, some types of intestinal parasites can also infect people and can be particularly serious for young children. Roundworms are a good example. Roundworm infection in children can cause blindness and other quite serious symptoms. Hookworms are another example of a parasite that can infect people and cause disease.
Is It Possible to Get Rid of All Intestinal Parasites for My Pet?
Most types of intestinal parasites are easily treated once diagnosed. However, because there are many different types of parasites that infect pets, it is most effective to identify the type of parasite and choose the “deworming” medication accordingly. Choosing the proper medication based on the type of infection is important in clearing your pet’s parasite problem.
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