No one likes to hear that their pet could get an intestinal parasite and probably will at some point in its life. Most pet owners would rather not talk about this, but it’s essential to know the basics because parasites in the gut can cause serious health problems. So here are the things you need to know about intestinal parasites.
What Are Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites are parasitic worms that live in the digestive tract (GI). Tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms are the most common parasites in the intestines. Depending on how old your pet is and how bad the infestation is, the worms can be of different sizes and cause various diseases. Feel free to visit the page of a reliable vet for more information.
Signs and Symptoms
Depending on your pet’s infection, its symptoms will be different. When puppies and kittens have roundworms, they often look like they have a pot belly. The disease can be shown by diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, and anemia, but pets often don’t show any signs until they are very sick. Some pets show signs like lethargy, dull coat appearance, vomits often, and bloated appearance. Watch out for these signs because these are crucial indicators of intestinal parasites.
Since most parasites only make eggs, you can’t tell if your pet is infected by seeing worms. Only by inspecting feces for larvae can a diagnosis be made.
Stage of Infection
Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are spread when your pet eats the larvae in rodents, other dog feces, or an infected flea. Hookworms dig holes in your pet’s skin so they can lay eggs.
Danger to Pet
Roundworms can make puppies and kittens grow too slowly, and hookworms can cause anemia that can kill them. Any parasitic infection can cause swelling and problems with the immune system. If your pet already has a health problem, like diabetes, the parasite infection could worsen it. These parasites can shut down major body systems and kill your pets if you don’t get rid of them.
Transmittable to Other Pets
Parasites that live in the intestines can spread to other animals and people. Since they live primarily in the digestive tract, the larvae or eggs are passed into the poop. The infective larvae then live in the soil around the feces, making it possible for other dogs and children to eat them and get sick accidentally.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of infection and how bad it is. Vets might give you antibiotics and a drug that kills parasites. If your pet has a condition that keeps returning, it will need special care to prevent getting sick again. This is because recontamination from the environment and infection can happen at any time. Surgery can also be performed depending on the extent, you may consult professionals from dog surgeons in Tucson, AZ.
Protection
Routine deworming and vaccination are the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your pet from getting a parasitic infection that will last for a long time. Also, keep your dog away from public or busy areas like sandboxes, walking paths, and dog parks. As for you, washing your hands before eating and not walking around outside barefoot helps in avoiding these parasites. You may contact experts for pet vaccinations in Tucson, AZ.
Conclusion
It’s unpleasant to think about the possibility that your pet, or a family member, has intestinal parasites. With any luck, you’ll be better prepared to deal with these uninvited guests to your pet and home now that you have some basic information. Quickly get your pet to the vet if you think it might be infected. It’s best to contact your local vets immediately if you’re worried about parasites or the infections they might cause. This way, we can protect our pets the way we defend ourselves.
