By: Dr. Veja Tillman, DVM
Veterinarians and pet owners share a common concern for pets: parasites. Although there are many different types of parasites, intestinal parasites are becoming more and more concerning for pet parents.
Studies have shown that as many as 62% of pet owners allow dogs and cats on their beds. As the relationship between pets and their owners continues to evolve, it becomes even more important to discuss parasitism and how it affects our pet’s health and our daily lives.
It is common for a dog or cat to become infected with an intestinal parasite at some point in its lifetime. The most common intestinal parasites that affect our pets are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia. These parasites reside in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, causing disease and affecting the daily lives of our pets. They are of high priority because they pose a potential threat to people as well as pets.
Roundworms
Roundworms can infect dogs and cats. Pets may ingest infective eggs or become infected by eating infected animals like rodents, rabbits, or even earthworms. Puppies can also be infected through the placenta before birth.
Minor roundworm infections may go unnoticed, but pets may develop distended bellies and diarrhea. In heavy infestations, worms (often described as “spaghetti”) may be visible in vomit or stool.
Humans can also be infected. Roundworms can migrate through the skin and internal organs, causing damage to the liver, eyes, and nervous system.
Hookworms
Hookworms commonly infect dogs and cats through nursing, predation, or exposure to contaminated stool. These small worms are rarely visible in stool.
Signs of infection include anemia, bloody stool, or diarrhea. Less common symptoms are coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. Diagnosis is via fecal exams.
Humans can contract hookworms through exposed skin—typically the feet. This may cause skin irritation known as “creeping eruptions.” Rarely do hookworms reach adulthood in humans.
Whipworms
Whipworms infect dogs through ingestion of eggs in contaminated environments. They are not visible to the naked eye.
Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea or alternating normal and loose stools. Diagnosis often requires multiple fecal tests.
Whipworms do not infect cats and pose little risk to humans.
Coccidiosis
Coccidia affects both dogs and cats. Most clinical cases are seen in puppies and kittens under stress (e.g., weaning, relocation, malnutrition). Adults can also contract it through contaminated environments.
Pets may ingest infective particles (commonly from rabbit feces or other hosts). In some cases, coccidia causes no illness. In others, it results in chronic, foul-smelling diarrhea.
Diagnosis is based on identifying coccidia in stool and ruling out other causes.
Closing Thoughts: Keeping You and Your Pets Safe
- Most intestinal parasites are diagnosed through stool evaluations. However, negative results don’t guarantee a pet is parasite-free.
- Pets should receive monthly preventatives or appropriate dewormers.
- Routine stool checks are recommended multiple times per year.
- Prevent scavenging and outdoor roaming to limit infection risks.
- Good hygiene and sanitation reduce the risk of human transmission.
Routine deworming of pets at all ages helps reduce parasite exposure and environmental contamination. For more guidance, contact your veterinarian to develop a parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
About Dr. Veja Tillman, DVM
Dr. Tillman is a 2002 graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her work focuses on wellness and preventive care for pets. She owns Just 4 Pets Wellness Center in Fort Myers and can be reached at 239-270-5721.
