Intestinal Parasites in Dogs
What Dog Owners in the Northeast Should Know Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs, especially puppies. Many dogs with parasites look completely normal, which is why routine stool (fecal) testing, proper treatment, and ongoing prevention are such an important part of veterinary care. Our goal is simple: keep your dog healthy and help protect […]
Tapeworms
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) Why they matter: Common and often noticed as “rice-like” segments near the rear end or in stool. How dogs get them: Common signs: Usually mild; scooting, itchy rear, visible segments. Diagnosis: Often based on seeing segments; fecal tests may miss them. Treatment & prevention: A specific dewormer is needed, plus […]
Coccidia
Coccidia (Cystoisospora/Isospora spp.) Why it matters: Common in puppies; can cause significant diarrhea in young dogs. How dogs get it: Ingesting oocysts from contaminated feces or environments; exposure risk increases with group housing. Common signs: Watery diarrhea, sometimes with mucus, decreased appetite; adults may carry without illness. Diagnosis: Fecal testing. Treatment & prevention: Treatment is […]
Giardia
Giardia (Giardia duodenalis) Why it matters: Very common cause of diarrhea, especially in puppies and dogs exposed to other dogs or surface water. How dogs get it: Drinking contaminated water, licking contaminated paws/fur, or exposure to infected feces. Common signs: Soft stool/diarrhea (often intermittent), foul odor, gas, weight loss, or no signs. Diagnosis: Fecal antigen […]
Whipworms
Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) Why they matter: A common GI parasite in U.S. dogs and can cause chronic large-bowel diarrhea. How dogs get them: Ingesting eggs from contaminated environments (soil/yards). Eggs can persist in the environment for long periods. Common signs: Intermittent diarrhea (often with mucus/blood), straining, weight loss—or none. Diagnosis: Fecal testing; whipworms can be […]
Hookworms
Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria stenocephala) Why they matter: Can cause intestinal blood loss, especially in puppies; some species can affect people via skin contact. How dogs get them: Ingesting larvae/eggs from contaminated soil or feces; larvae can also penetrate skin. Common signs: Diarrhea, dark/tarry stool, weakness, pale gums, poor growth (or no signs). Diagnosis: Fecal […]
Roundworms
Roundworms (Toxocara canis) Why they matter: Extremely common in puppies and can be zoonotic. How dogs get them: Often from the mother (before birth or through nursing) or by ingesting eggs from the environment. Common signs: Pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, vomiting/diarrhea, or no signs at all. Diagnosis: Fecal testing (microscopic exam; sometimes antigen testing). Treatment […]
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus-1)
What is it?Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease caused by feline herpesvirus-1. It is one of the most common infectious diseases seen in kittens and cats. How is it spread?Transmission occurs through: Once infected, cats carry the virus for life, with intermittent reactivation during times of stress. Clinical signs may include: […]
Feline Calicivirus
What is it?Feline calicivirus is a contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory system and oral cavity. It is a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. How is it spread?The virus spreads through: Calicivirus can persist in the environment and is common in multi-cat households and shelters. Clinical signs may include: Rare virulent strains […]
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Distemper)
What is it?Feline panleukopenia is a severe, often fatal viral disease caused by a parvovirus closely related to canine parvovirus. It primarily affects kittens. How is it spread?Transmission occurs through: Clinical signs may include: Mortality rates are high, particularly in young kittens. Why vaccination is important:There is no cure. Treatment is intensive and often unsuccessful. […]