There are several different kinds of internal parasites that can affect your pet, and their human friends as well!

For information on ZOONOSES, or how people can become ill from contact with pet parasites, please see the appropriate page by clicking below.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is a non-profit organization of veterinarians and parasitologists dedicated to protecting your family and your pets from parasites and zoonotic disease.  The following are some of their general tips for keeping you pet and family safe from the risks associated with parasites.

General Tips

  1. Wash your hands well after contact with an animal.
  2. Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths.
  3. Pick up dog and cat waste from your yard daily, especially in areas where both children and animals play.
  4. Cover home sandboxes to protect them from fecal contamination.
  5. Have your pet tested regularly (at least once a year) for parasites by a veterinarian and administer year-round preventive medications to control zoonotic parasites.

Pregnancy and Immune-Deficiency Precautions

  1. Wash your hands well after any exposure to soil (gardening), sandboxes and raw meat.
  2. Eat only well-cooked meat.
  3. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables to eliminate contamination.
  4. Have a spouse, partner or friend change the litter box. If changing the litter is unavoidable, change it daily. Be certain to wash hands well after changing the litter.
  5. Supervise infants sitting on the ground or on the floor. Do not allow them to eat dirt or food that has fallen.
  6. Pick up dog and cat feces from the yard daily.
  7. Cover sandboxes and play areas to prevent wildlife and strays from contaminating these areas.
  8. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly and have your pet tested for parasites at least yearly.
  9. Deworm your cat or dog per your veterinarian’s recommendations.
  10. Administer year-round products to help control Toxocara infections and other products as directed by your veterinarian to control other parasites.

 

Please click on the following links to access the information regarding each parasite.

Coccidia

Giardia

Roundworm

Hookworm

Whipworm

Tapeworm

Heartworm

Toxoplasmosis

Health Tips for Families 

Questions?  Please contact us!