Cats and dogs can get worms before birth, both from their mother’s milk and by spending time outdoors. While outdoors, they sniff or ingest feces, infected animals, fleas, or remnants. Parasites can become attached to your pets’ coats and be ingested when your pets groom themselves. You can help prevent worms and take measures to deworm your pets if they become infested. If you live in or near Durham, NC, and need a veterinarian near you, contact our team at Alexander At The Park Veterinary Hospital for veterinary care.
Worms, Their Symptoms, and Diagnosis
A variety of parasitic worms affect cats, dogs, or both. Most worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, live in the intestinal tract and cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, and coughing if they migrate to the lungs. Heartworms, which are carried and transmitted by mosquitoes, live in the heart, lungs, and blood system and cause symptoms including coughing, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
If you see worms in your pet’s stool or suspect it has intestinal worms, your veterinarian will have you collect a stool sample to bring to the animal hospital. Your veterinarian will examine or test the sample for worms or eggs. Heartworm is diagnosed using blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound.
Deworming Treatments
Following the diagnosis, pet deworming occurs using chewable, injected, or topical medications, though severe cases may require surgery. Prescription broad-spectrum treatments address a range of worms for kittens, puppies, and adult pets. Preventive medications targeting heartworm are critical due to the danger posed by heartworm and the expense of treating infected animals.
Worm Prevention
Prescription medications that prevent heartworm and over-the-counter medicines for intestinal parasites should be used year-round. Other steps to reduce the likelihood of your pet being infested by intestinal parasites include:
• Keeping your pet flea-free
• Cleaning up pet feces regularly
• Maintaining a clean home and yard
Despite following all these practices at home, pets can be exposed to parasites when away from home, so the best course of action is preventive medications.
Working with the Alexander At The Park Veterinary Hospital
If you live in or near Durham, NC, the Alexander At The Park Veterinary Hospital provides all aspects of veterinary care. Call us today at (919) 484-9900 or use our online request form to schedule a convenient appointment for your pet.