House pets frequently contract intestinal worms (Roundworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and Hookworms) and protozoa (Coccidia, Giardia and Toxoplasma).
Signs that your pet may have intestinal parasites are diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, poor hair coat and weight loss.
How is Fido exposed to these parasites? Ingesting infected stool, infected grass, infected rodents, and drinking infected water. Some parasites are transmitted from the mother before birth or through their milk. Indoor cats can pick up parasites through garden plants and commercial potting soil.
Parasite eggs are found in stool samples. We recommend annual stool testing for all adult cats and dogs. Because puppies and kittens can be more 'adventurous' than we would like, more frequent testing is warranted.
Tapeworms can be often be seen in the hair around the tail of your pet. These segments of the worm resemble white grains of rice.
Other parasites need to be processed and analyzed in our laboratory. Once the parasite identity is confirmed, proper medication and a management plan can be implemented.
Most parasite treatments take only a few days and follow-up stool exams are important to ensure that all parasites are eliminated.
How does one prevent intestinal parasites? Cleaning up bowel movements in the yards and litter boxes daily are the first line of defense. Avoid taking your pet to areas with heavy animal traffic where clean up may be suboptimal.
Monthly preventatives greatly reduce parasite infections and are usually combined with oral heartworm preventatives. Some of the parasites that are found in the intestinal tract of dogs and cats can be contracted by humans and pose a particular risk to children and pregnant women.
If you notice any signs of intestinal upset or diarrhea or if you would like to keep your pet on preventative medications, we are always just a phone call away.
House pets frequently contract intestinal worms (Roundworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and Hookworms) and protozoa (Coccidia, Giardia and Toxoplasma).
Parasite eggs are found in stool samples. We recommend annual stool testing for all adult cats and dogs. Because puppies and kittens can be more 'adventurous' than we would like, more frequent testing is warranted. 
Tapeworms can be often be seen in the hair around the tail of your pet. These segments of the worm resemble white grains of rice. 
Most parasite treatments take only a few days and follow-up stool exams are important to ensure that all parasites are eliminated.
How does one prevent intestinal parasites? Cleaning up bowel movements in the yards and litter boxes daily are the first line of defense. Avoid taking your pet to areas with heavy animal traffic where clean up may be suboptimal.
If you notice any signs of intestinal upset or diarrhea or if you would like to keep your pet on preventative medications, we are always just a phone call away.