When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, there are a number of factors to consider, from nutrition to parasites. If your pet becomes infected by a parasite, you should take them to an animal hospital for evaluation and treatment. While some parasites cause aesthetic damage, such as hair loss, others can invade their immune system. If you’ve got a furry friend at home, be on the lookout for signs of these three parasites.

3 Common Pet Parasites

1. Roundworms

Roundworm eggs are shed in the feces of infected animals. If your dog or cat sniffs or licks the afflicted feces, this allows the parasites to invade your pet’s body. Once there, roundworms live freely in the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. As the worms grow, they can become visible in your pet’s stool.

To help prevent your pet from developing roundworms, keep them away from other animal’s bowel movements and take them to the animal hospital if you notice any symptoms. Medication is the most common form of treatment for roundworms.

2. Giardia

Giardia is commonly transmitted when a pet swallows contaminated water or fecal matter. Once infected, your animal will experience severe bouts of foul-smelling diarrhea and stomach cramping. Because giardia can lead to dehydration, visit your animal hospital to have your dog or cat properly evaluated and diagnosed if they present symptoms; giardia can be treated with a 10-day medication cycle, but you can limit your pet’s risk by keeping them away from infected animals.

3. Coccidia

Coccidia can be transmitted between animals through stool. When infected, your dog might present a few symptoms, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common. An animal hospital should evaluate your pet for coccidia if they begin to lose their appetite or become lethargic. Most cases do not require treatment unless severe vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration is present. You can prevent your pet’s exposure to this parasite by keeping them away from loose stool or vomit, as well as having them visit an animal hospital regularly.

Parasites can wreak havoc on your animal’s intestinal tract, leaving their immune system compromised and damaged. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie du Chien, WI. Whether your pet needs vaccinations or parasite evaluation, they have the skill and expertise to handle the issue. To speak with a friendly representative, visit their website or call (608) 326-7101 today.