Parasites
Companion animals can have both internal and external parasites.
Internal & External Parasites
Internal parasites consist of the traditional “worms” like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. They also consist of small single celled organisms like giardia and coccidia. Animals get these in a variety of ways depending on the type of parasite. They can get them from the feces of infected animals, from eating rodents or fleas and from the ground itself where they can penetrate the animal’s skin. Puppies and kittens can be infected in the womb and through their mother’s milk.
External parasites consist of fleas, ticks, mites, and others that live on the surface of your pet. They are usually found in the environment and can also be transmitted between animals.
Pet & Human Parasite Dangers
Pets: Parasites can weaken your pet and even kill them if they get out of control. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor hair coat, and general ill health.
Humans: More importantly, some types of parasites can infect humans. Fleas and ticks are well known for biting human beings, but internal parasites from animals can also infect humans. When humans are infected with roundworm larvae, for instance, the larvae get confused and lost because humans are not their natural host. They can wander in the skin causing rashes or in the internal organs causing damage. They can even infect the eyes causing blindness. Hookworms can also infect humans. Children, elderly, and immunocompromised people are most at risk for contracting parasites from their pets or other animals.
Parasite Elimination & Reduction
Several simple practices can reduce or eliminate the threat of humans contracting parasites.
- First, practice good sanitation with regards to your animal.
- Clean yards and litter boxes often.
- Teach your children good sanitary habits and practice them yourself, because people are far more likely to get infected with parasites from the environment with outdoor activities than from their own animals.
- Gardeners and dirt workers are easily exposed to feces from strange animals.
- Speak with your veterinarian about fecal examinations and a deworming program tailored for your animal and his specific risks.
Many people believe that if they don’t see any worms in their animal’s feces that they do not have worms but this is not the case. Some types of internal parasites are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Be diligent in keeping your pets on flea and tick preventatives. Sioux Nation offers several affordable options for deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention.