OTHER PARASITES

Hookworms, whipworms, and lungworm can infect cats and dogs but are uncommon in the Pacific northwest. Some of these parasites infect humans as well and should be treated at once.

TOXOPLASMOSIS IN CATS

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan parasite that is carried in the feces of many cats. Cats can become infected after eating mice, rats, birds, or raw or undercooked meat. The parasite can infect pregnant woman and potentially cause abortion and congenital defects. Pregnant woman should take precautions and avoid cleaning the litter box and gardening without gloves.

SALMON FLUKES IN DOGS

This is a very serious parasite in the Pacific Northwest. Flukes are common parasites of salmon and steelhead. The flukes harbor a rickettsial organism that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration that is fatal if the dog is left untreated. Never feed your dog salmon or steelhead, either cooked or uncooked. This disease does not occur in cats.

HEARTWORM IN DOGS

These blood-borne parasites are transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes. They can cause severe heart disease and also affect the kidney and liver. We advise testing your dog for heartworm and placing it on a prophylaxis medication to prevent this deadly disease. See our Heartworm handout.

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FECAL EXAMS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ANNUALLY TO
ENSURE THAT YOUR PET IS PARASITE FREE

ROUNDWORMS

These long, thin, spaghetti-like worms are the most common parasite of kittens and puppies because of transplacental and milk-borne infection. Roundworms can infect humans (primarily children) causing potentially serious gastrointestinal and ophthalmic problems. Their eggs are very resistant and long lasting in the environment, therefore reinfection is common. It is estimated that virtually 100%
of puppies in the U.S. are infected with roundworms. Ideally, kittens and puppies should be treated at 2 weeks of age, before the eggs are first passed in the feces, and re-treated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age.

In adult cats, roundworms are contracted by eating rodents. Fecal exams should be conducted annually in outdoor cats to determine if roundworm infection is present.

Do not underestimate the potential seriousness of this parasite. Your pet should be treated promptly and the stool checked yearly.

TAPEWORMS

Tapeworms are common intestinal parasites found in both cats and dogs. Cats and dogs become infected with tapeworms by eating carriers of the intermediate stage of the parasite. The most common tapeworm of cats and dogs is carried by fleas. If you see flat white worm segments that look like cucumber seeds near the anus or in the stool, you’ve got your diagnosis: your pet has tapeworms AND FLEAS. Your pet can be treated with a highly effective prescription drug and you should institute a flea control program (see our Flea Control handout.)

GIARDIA

This protozoan (single cell) parasite is fairly common in this area and can cause soft to watery stool (often mucusy or bloody.) It is of Public Health concern because the organism can be transmitted to humans, which show similar gastrointestinal signs. Diagnosis can be difficult because some cats and dogs are carriers, but don’t show signs of infection, and also because the organism is shed in the feces intermittently. Re-infection is not uncommon.

COCCIDEA

Coccidia is a single cell parasite that usually affects young cats and dogs, causing a severe diarrhea. It is common in unsanitary conditions and where large numbers of animals are kept together, such as kennels, catteries, and pet stores. It is most often diagnosed on routine fecal examination before clinical signs are noted.