Internal Parasites in Cats
This handout provides an overview of some of the internal parasites that can infect your cat. For more detailed information, refer to the separate handouts “Roundworm Infection in Cats”, “Hookworm Infection in Cats”, “Whipworm Infections in Cats”, “Tapeworm Infection in Cats”, and “Heartworm Infection in Cats”. Are there different types of internal parasites or worms? […]
Proper Deworming Schedules for Puppies
A Smart, Practical Approach to Raising a Healthy Dog Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s great joys. Chewed shoes and all. Along with vaccinations and training, proper parasite control is one of the most important steps in setting your puppy up for a strong, healthy future. Intestinal parasites are extremely common in puppies […]
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 […]