Common Parasites
Coccidia
Intestinal coccidiosis is an infection within the cells of the intestinal lining. The coccidia bacteria are not worms but instead a type of one-celled organism called a protozoa.
Fleas & Ticks
Besides being major irritants to your pet's skin, fleas and ticks carry a number of diseases that can potentially be fatal to your pet. Some of these diseases can also be transmitted to people from a flea or tick bite, so controlling these parasites on your pet is very important.
Giardia
Giardia are sometimes confused with worms because they invade the gastrointestinal tract and can cause diarrhea. However, they are not worms; instead, they are are another type of one-celled parasites classified as protozoa.
Heartworms
Heartworm disease (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease affecting the heart in dogs. It is caused by a worm called Dirofilaria immitis.
Hookworms
Hookworms received their name because of the characteristic hook-like mouthparts that they use to attach to the lining of the intestinal wall. Because they are very small (about 1/8” in diameter), you have to be looking very carefully to see the adult worm. Despite this, they are one of the most pathogenic worms found in dogs.
Roundworms
Roundworms represent another common intestinal parasite found in dogs. Typically, they are large, heavy-bodied worms and average 3-5 inches in length and they live in the dog's intestines, consuming partially digested food. In contrast to the behavior of the hookworm, the roundworm does not attach to the intestinal wall; rather, this worm literally swims in it’s food.
Tapeworms
The most common tapeworm of dogs (and cats) is called Dipylidium caninum. This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches (20 cm) in length and are made up of many small segments about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long. As the tail end of the worm matures, the terminal segments break off and pass into the stool. It is generally by seeing these small segments in a pet's stool that a tapeworm infestation is identified.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by an one-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is a prevalent parasite of cats throughout the world, although other species can also become infected. The cat is unique in that it is the definitve host of the parasite, meaning the the parasite must pass through the cat to complete all stages of it's life cycle.
Whipworms
Whipworms are yet a another intestinal parasite affecting dogs of all kinds. They parasitize the lower intestine (cecum and colon) and cause signs related to intestinal irritation. They are named after a characteristic “whip” or “lash” at one end.