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Animal Parasites

Animal parasites refer to the common parasites that afflict animals, such as worms, ticks, mites, lice, and fleas. Animal parasites come in two varieties, external and internal, and can be very troublesome for the animal, sometimes leading to severe illness or death. There are often treatment options for these parasites, but the best way avoid exposure is for animals to receive regular veterinary care.

2,446 Questions

How do I get rid of round worms in my puppy?

In most cases, the worms can be removed with over-the-counter products, most of which are safe and effective. One bad thing is that worms could come back in the near future. Have your dog evaluated and treated every 3 months or so to stay on the safe side, especially if you live in an area known to have dog worms.

Do worms have bristles on their body?

The bristles along the body of an earthworm are called the Setae, they are used as anchors as the earthworm moves along.

Read more: What_do_the_bristles_on_the_underside_of_the_earthworm's_body_do

Can a dog have more then 1 kind of worm at a time?

Yes! Many types in fact, Tapeworm (usually looks like rice), roundworm (kind of like speghetti), hookworm and a few others. Of course they can have heart worms too which is in the heart-as it sounds.Most vets have dewormers that can get rid of many at once. The best bet is to have their stool checked under a microscope for eggs of the worms to know which ones they have.

There are many type of internal parasites. The best thing is to bring in a stool sample from your pet, collected from over a 2 day period. Take it to your Veterinarian to be tested. For Heartworms, you would need to bring your pet into the Vet to be tested with a blood test. It is very important that you test your dog for heartworms and then keep your pet on a once a month preventative, year around, if the test shows your pet negative for heartworms. Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworms and they are everywhere.

What happens if you eat a maggot?

A disgusting odor usually exists where there are maggots... and the general idea of dining on maggots prevents most people from considering it. But if a driven person could manage to swallow a spoonful of maggots... the most likely thing to happen would be to vomit them back out.

Are flat worms scavengers?

Flatworms are carnivores, herbivores and scavengers.

What causes dog sores on back that bleed?

A few causes of sores on dogs backs that bleed are anemia, blood pressure, or dog lice. Dog lice irritate the skin causing oozing sores and crusty ear tips.

How do cats get worms?

Cats can pick up worms by ingestion such as with flea's and the tapeworm which is carried by the Flea, hookworms in the grass, and by other animals that already have these parasites. some kittens get them from their mothers who have them already. and yes cats can get heartworm also, from our mosquito non friends.

Can you die of worms?

It depends what kind of worm. If you mean earthworms. No only if it entered your mouth and went down your windpipe would it kill you. If it is earthworms you are worried about. forget it. you are safe from them. (Unless you are made of soil that is)

I think they meant parasite worms then yes if they were in there too long I say they could.

Where are giant tube worms found?

Microscopic organic matter and plankton are what tube worms eat. Fine hairs and tentacles ensure that the food sources move from outside to inside every tube worm.

Why are worms our friends?

Earthworms might look smooth but they have bristles, called setae, that help to hold them in their tunnels.

Can flea spray or powder for cats be used on guinea pigs?

yes, but more commonly mites

clean the cage throughly and get some mite/lice spray from the pet shop

no need for vets unless your pet is getting bald patches
guinea pigs can catch fleas but they don't start off with it it could cause a really bad skin condition though that is what killed one of my guinea pigs so get them treated often, if they itch alot, then go to your vet for advice on how to beat it. Unfortunatley we noticed it to late so he passed away very soon after we spotted it

Can your dog make your other dogs sick?

I assume you mean can one dog get another dog sick. Absolutely, depending on the disease. Can a sick human get you sick? Why would animals be any different? Humans are animals after all.

If you don't know this basic information perhaps you should not own dogs.

What are the long white worms coming out of your dog's butt?

I believe it's called a tape worm. You need to get the dog to a vet. They will treat him for worms and probably give you something to give to the dog at home. It is possible for animals to die of worms if not treated. yes its a tapeworm, you can treat it with the wormers you find at your local supermarket just make sure you adjust the dose for the wieght of the dog ..the dosage isnt universal I do believe that would be a tapeworm (tapeworm segments to be exact). In any case, you should bring the dog to a veterinarian. There the dog can be tested for any other intestinal worms it may have that cannot be physically seen, and it can be treated for any and all worms with a quality dewormer on a specific schedule over a period of time. I have never heard of dewormers being available at the local supermarket, but even if they are there you shouldn't trust them.

Why do cats shake there heads periodically?

Kittens will act very clumsy for the first few weeks. If they fall asleep sitting, they may also bob their heads as they bounce from being partially awake, to deep in sleep. If you feel this may be a medical issue, call a veterinary and ask for advice. As this sounds like something very simple, they may give free, over-the-phone advice.

What are the symptoms when a cat has worms?

Cats with worms may have a multitude of symptoms or none at all. Common signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or an unthrifty coat. Worms may be observed in the vomitus or in the feces. Intestinal parasites of cats can infect humans and small children are at particular risk. Young kittens should have fecal (stool) exams performed by your veterinarian starting no latter than 4 weeks of age and at every visit for vaccines. Older cats should have routine fecal checks every 6 months or every 3 months if they go outside. It's always a great idea to have a prepared list of questions to ask at every veterinary visit.

If a cat has tapeworms, the signs will not usually show until it starts to expel little white, or off-white, bits that will be seen near the cat's anus. The bits are about the size of a sesame seed and look similar as they dry up. Tapeworms are picked up by cats from infected fleas which they may have gotten from wild kills off of birds, mice and other animals. Tapeworms are easily treated by an over-the-counter medication at a good vet supply store. Treatment is handled in one dosage.

Signs of other types of worms in cats (such as pinworms etc.) are more difficult to determine without a microscopic examination of a stool sample, HOWEVER- symptoms include weight loss, unending appetite (to eventual loss of appetite if worm infestation begins to make the animal deathly ill) as well as dull coat and seepage at the inner corners of the eyes. The most effective over-the-counter remedies are the liquid, NOT tablet, wormers available in the pet section of most stores (even the local grocery) and require a 2 dose treatment over 10 day period. Cleaning and sanitizing the litter-box during this period is recommended after each treatment to help prevent any reinfestation.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CONTACT A VET!

Sometimes it's difficult to see if they have worms and you should deworm your cat a couple times of year. Phone your local vet and they will tell you and then get the worm capsules from them as they know the correct dose for the weight of your cat.

How cats can get wormsTape worms - the ones that look like little bits of rice-are caused by fleas. They only have to swallow one flea to get tape worms, you must get a prescription from a vet to get rid of them. The dewormers at the store never work. Most other worms are contracted by the cat actually consuming the eggs - from feces (that they stepped in and licked off their paws). OTC dewormers will not work on tapeworms. If your cat eats rodents or has fleas, they will end up with tapeworm. You can get a pill from the vet that will dissolve the protective coating off the tapeworm and allow the cats stomach to digest it.

Tape Worms are by far the most common internal parasite encountered. The scientific name for the Tapeworm is called Dipylidium.

  • Symptoms - In spite of their prevalence Tapeworms are not a significant cause of disease in dogs and cats. Most pets do not have any symptoms, and if symptoms are present, are mild in nature. Some pets will itch at their anus when the worms cause irritation as they pass.

Hookworms are blood sucking parasites that live in the small intestine. The scientific name for the Hookworm we encounter in our area is called Ancylostoma. They can be very pathogenic and even cause death due to anemia and low protein level

  • Symptoms - Pets with Hookworms have the potential to be very ill, especially in dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, dark stools or diarrhea, weakness and vomiting. In severe cases they are anemic and debilitated, especially the older and younger pets. The larvae might even irritate the skin when they penetrate between the toes and pads.

Roundworms - A common parasite of dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, is Roundworms. The scientific name for their group is called ascarids. Routine treatment for puppies and kittens for this parasite, the first is their prevalence, the second is their potential to infest humans. The larval form of this parasite has the potential to cause serious disease in children. Fortunately it is a rare problem, and can be prevented by worming all puppies and kittens early in life

  • Symptoms - Common symptoms are a distended abdomen and diarrhea. Some puppies and kittens will be vomiting, lethargic and not eating well, while others will not show any symptoms. On rare occasions the parasite load can be so heavy that the intestines become obstructed. Coughing, fever, nasal discharge and even pneumonia can occur in pups that have large numbers of larvae migrating through their respiratory tract.

Whipworms - Whipworms are blood sucking parasites that live in the large intestine, usually only in dogs. They are called Whipworms because they have a slender end and a thick end, hence the appearance of a whip. The scientific name for the Whipworm we encounter in our area is called Trichuris. They can be as pathogenic as Hookworms, and also cause death due to anemia and low protein level.

  • Symptoms - Symptoms of Whipworm infestation include chronic diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss.

Coccidia = Coccidia are not technically a worm, but a protozoan parasite that infect dogs and cats primarily, but can be seen in other species.

  • Symptoms - Symptoms usually occur in young animals and include diarrhea and abdominal pain. These young animals can become severely dehydrated and the infection can be life threatening. This is especially true in pets that are stressed or have other parasites. Many pets, especially the older ones, do not show any symptoms when infected

Giardia = Giardia are also protozoal parasites that live in the small intestines. Giarida are found every where in the world, Infection rates are variable, with younger animals having a higher rate of infection. There are various strains that differ in their potential to cause disease. The strain called Giarda lamblis (also called intestinalis or duodenalis) is the primary strain of people, companion animals. and livestock.

This parasite can be found on fecal exams of healthy pets that don't have any symptoms. It is probably under diagnosed due to the chronic nature of the problem it presents and the difficulty of coming up with a positive diagnosis.

Giardia exists in 2 forms; trophozoites and cysts. The active and motile form, called trophozoites, are the stage which lives in the intestines of an affected mammal. These trophozoites produce non-motile cysts which are shed into the environment. The cysts remain viable in the environment for months, especially in cool and moist areas. They thrive in clear and cool water, a good reason not to drink running water in the outdoors, no matter how pristine it looks. The cysts are killed by freezing, boiling, and extended contact with disinfectants.

It is theorized that giardia make pets prone to food allergies. By interfering with the intestinal lining they let in proteins that stimulate the immune system to cause an allergic reaction.

  • Symptoms - In many pets there aren't any symptoms, while in others that do show symptoms, the problem might resolve by itself. The most susceptible pets are puppies and kittens, pets with other internal parasites, and debilitated pets. Diarrhea that occurs can be severe and can be accompanied by poor appetite and dehydration. Vomiting, weight loss and blood in the stool are occasional symptoms.

It can be a couple of types of worms and it's best to get your vet to give you worm capsules for your cat. Any pet you own should have a physical every year and all their shots.

  • There are several ways to get rid of worms. You can go to any department store that has a pet department, or pet store, or even online and get a de-wormer. Keep in mind these OTC medications are not as strong as RX meds. with that in mind here are a few natural remedies. Diatomaceous Earth : Diatomaceous earth is made of fossilized algae, which is mined and then refined into what we call food grade or medical grade diatomite. These finer grade diatomites are what we use to de-worm pets and people alike. For human worm control, one heaping teaspoon of diatomaceous earth a day is recommended. For cats, 1 teaspoon, and for dogs 1 tablespoon--give or take a half tsp./tbsp. for young or large animals. Para-Gone: Para-Gone Worm Treatment is an herbal supplement de-wormer used by people who refuse to give their animals and pets chemical formulas. Wrm Clear: formulated to control hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm in dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It is FDA approved and 100% natural. It can be found online for about $12. Wormwood Tincture:often the active ingredient in many natural de-worming formulas. If you're going to use wormwood tincture alone, you should promote a month-long treatment regiment so you make certain that no worm reinfestation occurs--this is particularly true when it comes to roundworm.
  • Ounce of prevention.... wear shoes, since worms like fecal matter its best to not get any on you and wash your hands often especially around kids. ( kids usually don't care where they play and what not )and try not to use other peoples towels . flea control helps with tape worms The process starts when tapeworm eggs are swallowed by flea larvae (an immature stage of the flea). Contact between flea larvae and tapeworm eggs is thought to occur most frequently in contaminated bedding or carpet. A pet become infected they try to bite the fleas off and swallows an infected flea. so , tread the house ,carpets,bedding and yard for fleas. Nylar or Methoprene (growth regulator's )are two chemicals that are popular in controlling fleas.
Is it normal for the outside of a cat's anus to have little 'things' on it and not seem perfectly clean?
  • Well, this depends. Usually a cat will have a little bit of dried feces around the opening -which is dark and usually hard. If what you see is white/beige and looks like small rice grains, then kitty has tapeworms. There are different medications for the various types of worms so be sure to familiarize yourself with the symptoms. You can buy some of them at good pet shops and others at the vet.
  • As the person above me states, there will be a small amount of fecal matter around the anal exit, it will be dry and brown or black, most of the time it will cause discomfort if you try to remove it, so you're best of just leaving it be. Also true on the fact that if there are specks outward more and they appear to be small grains of rice it could be worms and you need to have your pet seen.
  • If it seems like the cat is having diarrhea or another condition and there is a large amount of fecal matter around the anus, think about any changes in your cats diet or surroundings that might have caused an upset tummy.
  • Always remember that cats are generally clean animals and if they seem to be lacking in this area there could be issues going on that have nothing to do with what you see is wrong. You are the best judge of your pet and if it doesn't seem right get him seen ASAP!
  • If it seems to get worse and it doesn't look to just be feces, then yes take it to the vet. But keep in mind cats can't wipe themselves, and some just don't like there behinds either, my cats anus isn't always clean either.
  • If your cat has worms you may be seeing the eggs and shedding worm bodies around the anus. This is more likely if your cat is licking its bum more than usual, or dragging its bottom along the floor to rub it
  • This is NOT normal. This could be worms, which can be very dangerous to a cat. Visit the vet immediately and ask what he/she thinks you should do. Usually patients like this start worming programs.

What are adaptations of leeches?

They can stick to stones so they don't get washed down the stream. They are also dark colors so they blend in with rocks and dirt.

Can bathing a cat kill fleas?

If Your Cat Starts Ticking Then Listening Closely. Grab A Slice Of Bread And Two Advils. Feed The Cat The Food. If They Cat Refuses To Eat, Grab Your Fancy Hats And Leave The House Quickly. Your Cat Will Be Exploding. Your Cat Cannot Mix With The Dog Flea Because Of A Poison In The Materials Making Your Cat A Suicide Bomber. I Suggest You Don't Be Lazy And Buy Some For Your Cat

Can bleach kill grass?

ANSWER YES. Bleach is safe to use to kill weeds if you: 1. are careful not to get the bleach on lawns, flowers, or other plants (it kills them, too) 2. wear gloves and safety goggles when handling large amounts of bleach 3. keep all children and pets away from the bleached area for at least an hour. The longer the better. ANSWER Actually, many weeds are annuals, and by weedwacking them, they will not produce seed and may die on their own. Others you can dig up and will not have issues with chemical residue in your yard. You can use other chemicals that you spray on the leaves, which will kill them within a few days.

How do you get rid of ticks on dogs?


Try using a wide-tooth comb for fleas on your dog after a walk, and you'll see any ticks in the dog's coat, and they'll probably not have attached themselves yet. There are also other treatments available to help keep your dog safe from ticks.

you can try some widely used products such as frontline and advantage. try also treating your house, backyard and all your pets...

Is cattle pour on wormer safe for a dog?

No. You should not attempt to use dewormers that are formulated for horses on dogs. The concentration is very high and it is extremely easy to overdose your dog if you miscalculate the dosage. Also, if your dogs is already on heartworm preventative, then there is no reason to try to deworm your dog with other dewormers without first having a fecal sample examined by your vet as most heartworm preventatives also treat for GI parasites.

Are there home remedies for cats with worms?

None that I would experiment with on my own cat. There are three major types of worms that cats can get: roundworms and hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Each requires a completely different type of medication.

Honestly, a fecal float at a vet clinic should cost $10-15 and the medication to treat the findings is generic, extremely safe and dirt cheap from your veterinarian. It is much safer for your cat to see the vet and get the correct medication than to try to deal with intestinal worms on your own.

How often should you worm a puppy?

The first thing is how do you know your dog does not have worms?
Worms can be so small you can not see them or their eggs.
We actually worm our dogs to keep them healthy, but also to keep us healthy too.
The only way to absolutley know your dog has no worms is to do serial ( a few ) stool collection and have them tested.
The risk of human contmination is important.
I would advise worming your dog every 3 months with a reputable allwormer every 3 months, costs less than testing and works for dog and all in contact

Where can fleas hide?

I too, have had a flea problem in my home. Well, they are mostly found on the carpet/sofa/curtains region. These non-flying, jumping dots are a nuisance. No spray works on them

But i have a solution. Get a insecticide powder. Sprinkle it thoroughly everywhere, especially the regions i have mentioned above, as well as the enterance of the house. After 2 hours, vaccuum your house. Do this consistently thrice a day, till a week.. and guess what, NO FLEAS!!!

What do you feed night-crawlers?

If you are using a Worm Factory:

Ensure that your Worm Factory is clean and set up properly. Cut a clean square pice of cardboard that will fit over the bottom of the tray and then cover with worm bedding. I use moist coconut fiber that when squeezed drips very lightly. The bedding should be 3 inches deep. On top of that you should put on a light layer (at least 2 inches) of loose moist shredded news paper. Once your nightcrawlers arrive move aside some of the shredded news paper and dump your night on the uncovered spot and gently cover them with the removed newspaper. Take a damp whole sheet of newspaper and lay it on top then place the top back on the bin. Do not feed for at least one or two days. After that time period uncover one of the corners of the bin by moving the shredded paper. Spray the food with a clean spray bottle lightly (don't soak) and then put in the cleared spot. The food is best when cut into small pieces. This however does not have to be done. Cover the food with the removed paper and then place the top back on the bin. One pound of nightcrawlers will eat 3-4 pounds of food a week depending on what you feed them. The firmer the food, the longer it will take for the nightcrawlers to break it down. Do not feed them meats or dairy. If foods are cooked make sure they do not have oils or Greece on them (which will kill the nightcrawlers). Keep the bedding lightly moist, don't over feed, and most of all... enjoy your nightcrawlers.

Are there fleas in Arizona?

Fleas typically like a humid warm environment, so although states like Utah, Arizona, and Nevada are almost flea free, there are certainly fleas there, they are just not as prevalent.