Pet Care
Roundworms and Hookworms
You have probably heard that puppies and kittens are infected with worms. The most commons parasites that infect these pets are roundworms and hookworms. These are intestinal parasites. They live and grow in the intestine of your pet.
Most pets will not show any signs that they are harboring parasites. However, some of the more common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or loss of appetite. Heavy infections in young puppies and kittens can be fatal.
Dogs and cats of any age may get infected with roundworms or hookworms, but they are more prone to infection when they are very young. It is not unusual for puppies of only 2-3 weeks of age to harbor a large number of worms. These worms are often passed from a mother to her puppies before birth. They can also be passed after birth through the mother’s milk.
These worms contaminate the environment by being passed as eggs in the feces of infected dogs and cats. The eggs can survive in parks, playgrounds, and yards. They can even survive inside homes.
Humans can get roundworm and hookworm infections through direct contact with infected feces. This happens most often by ingestions of contaminated soil, sand or plant life. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin. Children are more vulnerable to parasite infection as they play on the ground and have direct contact with dirt that may be contaminated. Children are more apt to put dirty objects into their mouths.
Roundworms enter the body when they are ingested as eggs. They will then hatch into larvae that travel through the liver, lungs and other organs. In many cases, these worms cause no symptoms or damage. But, in some cases they produce a condition known as visceral larva migrans. The larva will damage the tissue and affect the nerves and lodge in the eye. Permanent nerve damage, eye damage, or blindness can result.
Hookworms typically move within the skin, causing inflammation in the affected skin; a condition called cutaneous larva migrans. There is a type of hookworm that can penetrate deeper and cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs.
Your veterinarian will recommend treatment to eliminate and help prevent these parasite infections. Products are available in many forms so the best one that works for you and your pet will be prescribed.
Roundworms and hookworms are considered zoonotic, meaning they can infect people as well as animals. You owe it to yourself and your family to find out about these zoonotic infections and learn how to prevent them.
Roundworm and hookworm prevention
Puppies and kittens should be dewormed by your veterinarian at a very early age. Start early and keep your pet on a preventative program that treats and controls parasites. Learn how to recognize and avoid contaminated oil, sand, plants, and objects. Play areas, lawns and gardens should be free of animal waste. Bag and dispose of pet feces and cover sandboxes when they are not in use. Always obey leash laws.
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