Deworming Recommendations

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, or parasites of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon, are common in all of the domestic species.  Without treatment, these GI parasites can cause weight loss, anemia, failure to thrive, intestinal compaction or blockage, diarrhea, or general unthiftiness.  In addition, some of these intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans through the ingestion of parasite eggs.  Humans that have become infected with these parasites can have signs ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, blindness, and organ damage, among others.  Thus, GI parasites are of concern for more than just the household pet.

Fortunately, there are many veterinary products currently available to control gastrointestinal parasites.  The remaining portion of this article will look at the common types of GI parasites that burden dogs and cats, the current recommendations for deworming, and some of the products available for deworming animals.

Common Intestinal Parasites

Roundworms and Hookworms are most commonly found in puppies and kittens.  These parasites can be passed directly from the mother before they are born or afterwords in the milk.  Additionally, animals of any age can become infected with roundworms or hookworms through fecal-oral transmission.  The eggs are very common in the environment and animals can become infected by eating something contaminated with feces containing the eggs.

Whipworms are more often found in adult animals but can be found in puppies as well.  Dogs are more commonly affected.  Fecal-oral transmission is also how animals become infected with whipworms.

Tapeworms are most commonly found in cats.  Animals most often become infected with tapeworms by ingesting fleas that are carrying the immature stages of the tapeworm or by eating rodents, rabbits, etc.  Thus, animals with flea infestations and animals that are good hunters are more at risk for tapeworms.

Coccidia is a single celled parasite (i.e. not a worm) that commonly infects dogs and cats.  It is spread by fecal-oral transmission.  Coccidia is very hardy and can be hard to eliminate in the environment, thus animals kept in a coccidia contaminated area can get coccidia multiple times.

Giardia is another single celled parasite that commonly infects dogs and cats.  It is also spread by fecal-oral contamination.  Stagnant water (ponds, etc.) can also serve as a reservoir for Giardia.

Diagnosis and Recommendations

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia are most easily identified with a simple diagnostic test called a fecal floatation.  A small amount of stool is mixed with a solution that allows the eggs to float.  The eggs can then be directly visualized with a microscope.  Tapeworm eggs tend to be very heavy and do not readily float.  They are most commonly diagnosed by finding tapeworm segements in the stool or on the hair around the rectum.  Giardia is very difficult to diagnose as well.  A special type of fecal solution often must be utilized to diagnose Giardia.

Many dewormers are available for treatment of these parasites.  Unfortunately, none of the over the counter or prescription dewormers will kill all of these parasites.
Thus, dewormers must be chosen according to the type of parasite that is present.

The following is a recommended protocol to kep your pet healthy and their worm burden minimal

1. Deworm puppies and kittens at age 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age and then monthly until 6 months of age.

2. Deworm nursing dogs and cats at the same time as their offspring.

3. Conduct fecal examinations 2 to 4 times per year for adult animals, depending on
health status and lifestyle factors.