When the Pet has Intestinal Worms

The presence of parasitic intestinal worms brings serious pet health problems, that may lead to the death of the pet. Thus, part of the owner’s responsibilities of monitoring pet health is watching out for any worm infestation. There are several parasitic worms that bring pet health problems to pets. But four of them are most common. These are the roundworms, the hookworms, the whipworms, and the tapeworms.

To diagnose these pet health problems, the veterinarian usually conducts a stool test. By examining the stool, the veterinarian can identify which worm has caused the pet health problem. Once the specific cause of the pet health problem is identified, the veterinarian can prescribe the right type of wormer. The pet owner must be aware that one type of worm infestation will require a specific wormer.

Here are specific pet health facts about the four major intestinal worms:

• Roundworms – Puppies and kittens are the most vulnerable victims of this pet health problem. At such a young stage, their pet health is at risk. Usually, these young pets get the roundworms from the mother. And if the pet health care provided by the owner is less than sterling, these young pets can also eat stools that contain the eggs of roundworms. Once swallowed, the eggs grow, become adults, and bring serious pet health problems. An infallible indication of roundworm infestation is the appearance of pot bellies. When the pet has a pot-bellied appearance, it should be taken to the veterinarian to determine what pet health problem has afflicted it.

• Hookworms – Puppies and kittens get this pet health problem from their mothers. By virtue of its name, the hookworms hook into the intestinal wall of the pet and suck blood. With hookworm infestation, the pet will suffer several pet health problems such as weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, and frailty. A young pet can also die because of this pet health problem. This means that an early diagnosis of this pet health problem is crucial. Otherwise, excellent pet health will never be restored.

• Whipworms – Dogs are more prone to this pet health problem than cats. Of all worm infestations, this pet health problem is the most difficult to detect. This is because whipworms establish the cecum (first part of the dog’s large intestine) as their base of operations to cause pet health problems. Whipworms seldom go out with the stool. Dogs rarely die due to whipworms but their overall pet health is on a constant decline. The one major pet health problem brought by whipworms is chronic weight loss.

• Tapeworms – This pet health problem is prevalent among cats and dogs, but there are no over-the-counter medications that can effectively treat it. Veterinarians not only examine the stools but the pet’s fur as well, in order to diagnose the presence of this pet health problem. This is because dried segments of the tapeworms appear like rice bits on the fur around the pet’s anus and tail. A pet owner can even do his own diagnosis of this pet health problem.

The presence of intestinal worms is not only dangerous to pet health, but to human health as well. Children who enjoy playing with the pets can ingest the worms and get sick. In this case, the pet health problem can cause human health problem. To avoid this, the pet owner must always provide the proper pet health care. A proper pet health care often prevents the worm infestations.