Quick Internal Parasites (worms) Fact Sheet

Worms

      Very difficult for people to get from their pets
      Advise routine fecal exam every 6 to 12 months
      Start de-worming puppies at 2 weeks of age. Then repeat every 2 weeks.
      Puppies can be born with worms or become infected from the bitch at birth
      Dogs and cats do not have pinworms. Only people do!

Roundworms

      The most common parasite of dogs and cats
      Also called Ascarids
      Long, round, look like spaghetti, often curled up
      Seen primarily in young animals. Cats cough them up
      Puppies and kittens can be born with roundworms
      Puppies and kittens can acquire roundworms from their mother's milk
      Roundworm eggs are passed in the feces of dogs and cats

Hookworms

      1/4 the size of the head of a pin
      Sucks blood causing anemia
      Can cause bloody diarrhea
      May kill young puppies
      Puppies and kittens can be born with hookworms
      Puppies and kittens can acquire hookworms from their mother's milk
      Hookworm eggs are passed in the feces of dogs and cats

Tapeworms

      Short, flat segments, look like rice. Owners often see them on their pet's rears
      Possible to get from eating birds, rabbits, rodents, etc...
      Requires special type of medication to kill, unavailable over-the-counter
      Must find segments in feces to diagnose; eggs ar not usually seen on fecal exam
      Transmitted by fleas. You must control fleas to control tapeworms.

Whipworms

      Cause straining to defecate in dogs. Can see blood in stool
      Treat with panacur, or interceptor (heartworm preventative)
      Difficult to get rid of in yard. Must pick up stools
      Whipworm eggs can live for several months or even years in the soil
      Dogs can acquire whipworm through contact with the feces of an infected dog
      Very difficult to cure as the dog often returns to an infected environment
      Difficult to diagnose. Several fecal examinations may be necessary.