Because many pets show no outward signs of illness, proactive screening and treatment for intestinal worms are vital to their long-term well-being. This common health threat is often underestimated, yet these parasites pose a significant risk to your pet and can sometimes be passed to people. Recognizing the hidden dangers is the first step, and the team at CSRA Veterinary Services can guide you in keeping both your animal and human family members safe.
The most common culprits we see are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Each poses a unique threat. An infected pet might suffer from symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or a dull, brittle coat. However, one of the greatest dangers is that many pets show no outward signs of illness at all, especially in the early stages. While they may look perfectly healthy, these parasites are inside, damaging the intestinal lining and stealing vital nutrients from their food. A heavy roundworm infestation can give a puppy a classic pot-bellied appearance, while blood-sucking hookworms can lead to severe, life-threatening anemia.
Beyond the harm to your pet, some of these worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people. Roundworm and hookworm infections are a particular concern for human health. Children are especially vulnerable because they often play in yards or sandboxes where microscopic worm eggs may be present in the soil, and their hands don’t always get washed before going into their mouths. In humans, these parasites can cause serious conditions, including skin rashes from hookworms or even organ and eye damage from migrating roundworm larvae.
Because pets can be infected without showing symptoms and because of the risk to your family, routine screening and prevention are paramount. At CSRA Veterinary Services, we follow the guidelines established by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) to protect your pet and your household. This involves routine fecal screenings to detect microscopic eggs and a deworming schedule tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Many modern, year-round heartworm preventives also provide excellent protection against these common intestinal worms. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact us today to schedule a wellness exam and fecal screening. Together, we can create a proactive plan to keep your beloved pet & your family safe and healthy.
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