FACTS ABOUT WORMS:

• Very difficult for people to get from their pets.
• Advise routine fecal exam every 6-12 months.
• Start deworming pups at 2 weeks of age. Then every 2 weeks.
• Pups can be born with worms or become infected from the bitch at birth.
• Dogs and cats do NOT have pinworms! People only! 
  

 Roundworms

• The most common parasite of dogs and cats
• Also called Ascarids
• Long, round, look like spaghetti, often curl up.
• Seen primarily in young animals. Cats cough them up.
• Puppies and kittens can be born with roundworms
• Puppies and kittens can acquire roundworms from their mothers milk
• Roundworm eggs are passed in the feces of dogs and cats 
  

 Hookworms

• 1/4 the size of the head of a pin.
• Suck blood causing anemia.
• Can cause bloody diarrhea.
• May kill young pups.
• Puppies and kittens can be born with roundworms
• Puppies and kittens can acquire roundworms from their mothers milk
• Hookworm eggs are passed in the feces of dogs and cats. 

 Tapeworms

• Short, flat segments, look like rice. Owners often see them on their pets rears.
• Possible to get from eating birds, rabbits, rodents, etc..
• Requires special type of medication to kill, unavailable over the counter.
• Must find segments in feces to diagnose; eggs are not usually seen on fecal exam.
• Transmitted by fleas. You must control fleas to control tapeworms. 
  

 Whipworms

• Cause straining to defecate in dogs. Can see red blood in stool.
• Treat with panacur, or interceptor (heartworm preventive)
• Difficult to get rid of in yard. Must pick up stools.
• Whipworm eggs can live for several months or even years in the soil.
• Dogs can acquire whipworm through contact with the feces of an infected dog.
• Very difficult to cure as the dog often returns to an infected environment.
• Difficult to diagnose. Several fecal examinations may be necessary.