INTESTINAL PARASITES
(WORMS)
TAPEWORMS
The tapeworm is a parasitic worm, which lives in the intestines of dogs and cats. Parts of the worm (containing the
eggs) are often passed in the feces or may stick to the hair around the rectum.
Tapeworm infestation often produces no noticeable symptoms. Occasionally it produces stomach upset, diarrhea,
poor hair coat, weight loss and vague signs of discomfort.
Diagnosis of tapeworms is confirmed by finding the small, whitish; "sesame seed" sized segments around the pet's
rear end (under the tail). They can also be detected in the bedding where the animal lays. Unlike most other
types of worms, the eggs are not generally found in a routine stool examination performed at the doctor's
office. The tapeworm segments are normally flat (and can be seen to move) but as they dry out they take on the
characteristic appearance of the sesame seed. Tapeworms are not passed directly from one pet to another. They
require the intermediate stage that utilizes the flea for transmission. Fleas then hop from one pet to another and the
worms are transmitted when the new pet, during normal grooming behavior, swallows the flea. PEOPLE WILL NOT
GET THIS WORM FROM THEIR PETS.
TREATMENT:
1. The most effective method of deworming is accomplished with an injection of a safe, nondiarrhea producing medication.
2. Control the source of the problem, that is rid the pet and the home of fleas.
3. Repeated dewormings throughout the year are recommended since reinfestation is common
and unfortunately no medication is preventative.
OTHER WORMS THAT INFECT DOGS AND CATS:
1. Ascarids ................. roundworms are common in young kittens and puppies. They are potentially
contagious to people (children are at the greatest risk).
2. Ancylostoma .......... hookworms. These are also contagious to people.
Yearly deworming
3. Trichuris ................ whipworms
for ALL pets
4. Coccidia ................. infection (a concern for pregnant women)
is highly recommended!
5. Giardia ................... infection (dysentery organism)
1 Young animals are often born with worms. Puppies and kittens are therefore routinely
dewormed.
SAFETY BULLETIN
CAN I GET WORMS FROM MY PET ?
Zoonotic Disease is the official term for any disease that people can "catch" from animals.
More than 150 diseases are transmissible to people (1/3 of all known diseases!) so preventing
these problems is very important.
Some of the most common zoonotic diseases are:
1. Roundworms
2. Hookworms
3. Toxoplasmosis (a type of coccidia)
4. Cat scratch fever
5. Ringworm
6. Scabies
7. Tuberculosis
8. Salmonella
The National Center for Disease Control recommends that veterinarians advise their clients of the
potential risk and take measures to prevent the problem. Dogs and cats do NOT get “pin worms”,
nor transmit them to people, contrary to what some medical doctors suggest.
The first 2 listed diseases are worms. They are preventable.
Laguna Hills Animal Hospital makes the following recommendations:
#1
All pets should be dewormed yearly. It's not safe to assume that your pet is
parasite-free. Even indoor pets can get worms.
#2
Pets should be given a once-a-month worm preventative pill. This medication is
inexpensive and has no side effects. As long as your pet is given the monthly pill it
will be protected from all of the contagious intestinal parasites that are transmissible
to people.
#3
Pregnant women should not clean out the cat's litter box or do any gardening
(working with the hands in the soil) without gloves on.
Remember ... ......... the incidence of pet to human worm transmission in our area is low, so don't
panic. Rather, caution is "the key".