Internal Parasites

	36% of all pets on average are infected with one or more types of parasites.
	Unaltered males and females are twice as likely to be infected due to behaviors associated with mating and roaming.
	Tapeworms can be contracted if your pet is a hunter or if they have fleas. In most instances they will be seen as rice shaped segments around the pets rectum.
	Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and giardia can be transmitted from pet to human. Humans can also be infected by the environment the same as their pet.
	Most parasites are treatable and/or preventable. Contact your veterinarian for their recommendations.
	There is no single drug that will eliminate all parasites your pet may have.  The only way to be sure that your pet is parasite free is to run routine microscopic fecal examinations to identify the specific parasite(s); so that the proper medication dispensed.
	A Few Common Parasites
	ROUNDWORMS
	One female roundworm can produce over 100,000 eggs in one day. Which mean that a pet with a roundworm infection can shed over 20 MILLION eggs in one week.
	Roundworms are the most common of all internal parasites. The majority of all puppies and kittens are infected before they are even born.
	Signs of a roundworm infection include diarrhea, vomiting, stunted growth (in Puppies and Kittens), rough coat, and bloated belly
	There are an estimated 10,000 cases of roundworm infection in humans a year with children being at greater risk than adults.
	IN HUMANS: Pnuemonia like symptoms, skin staining from damage to internal organs, and irritated retinas from damage to eyes (can lead to blindness) especially in children.
	HOOKWORMS
	Hookworm eggs are deposited on the soil by contaminated feces.  If your pet comes in contact with a contaminated area of soil simple grooming afterwards could be the start of a hookworm infection.
	Hookworms can lead to bloody diarrhea, weight loss and anemia. Hooks can be passed from mother to pup, and they can even be fatal to a puppy, if left untreated.
	If the hookworms in the soil develop into larvae, the larvae can penetrate the skin of pets and humans walking in a contaminated area.
	IN HUMANS: Causes red, itchy snake-like lesions on the skin.  Children, farmers, and gardeners are at greater risk do to greater exposure to soil.  Be sure to always wear shoes, and to use gloves when working in dirt.
	WHIPWORMS
	The infection occurs when your pet swallows whipworm eggs found in contaminated soil.
	A Female whipworm egg can produce 2,000 eggs daily.
	Whipworms can also cause bloody diarrhea, weight loss and anemia. They can also be very difficult to detect.
	GIARDIA
	Giardia is a protozoa, a microscopic single celled organism, that resides in the small intestine.
	Both humans and animals can be infected by drinking contaminated water from ponds and streams.  Just one lap of water or grooming after being in a contaminated area can be enough to cause an infection.
	Signs of a Giardia infection can range from intestinal pain to explosive diarrhea
	TAPEWORMS
	Infection normally occurs when pets eats mice, rats, or fleas infected with tapeworm larvae.
	The tapeworms sheds the individual segments into the stool.  These are normally seen as "pieces of rice" it the pets feces.
	IN HUMANS: Diarrhea, abdominal pain and itchiness.  Primarily contracted by ingesting an infected flea.

Parasite Prevention Program:
A Few Easy Steps

1. Have a stool sample checked for parasites every 6 months, according to the CDC. 
2. In between fecal examinations, keep your pet on a monthly preventative recommended by your veterinarian. This helps to prevent further contamination of the environment.
3. Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, especially under the fingernails.  Be extra careful after handle pets or cleaning up pet waste.
4. Promptly remove any/all animal feces from yard on a regular basis. Daily is best.
5. Do not allow children to go barefoot, sit or lie on playground or in parks where they are exposed to animal feces. Hookworm larvae can penetrate skin.
6. Clean litter boxes daily and wash hand afterwards.
7. Do not drink from streams or other sources that may have been contaminated with animal feces.
8. Cover sand boxes when not in use.
9. Keep your pet flea and tick free. Ingestion of fleas can transmit tapeworms to animals and humans.
10. If your pet has runny or soft stool for more that a day have your pet and the feces examined by your veterinarian immediately.