Intestinal parasites can cause serious illness or even death to our furry friends, as well as infect humans, especially children.

  • Fecal flotation and Giardia testing identify intestinal parasites and allow the doctors to determine the best treatment for our furry friends to help with a full recovery.
  • Children are usually less careful with personal hygiene, and thus, more likely to put their dirty hands in their mouths after playing in dirt, grass, or sand. You never know who else has been playing in the sandboxes too!
  • No single medication, such as a basic deworming, is effective against all possible parasites.

Most common parasites include:

  • Roundworms: Transmitted through pet’s feces. The egg develops through the outdoor environment and then becomes infectious. Severe infections can damage the lungs, liver, and brain. Sometimes there are no signs.
  • Hookworms: Infection may occur through ingestion or skin penetration (commonly absorbed through the feet). Severe infection can cause, but is not limited to, diarrhea, abnormal growth, anemia, weakness, & weight loss.
  • Whipworms: Most common in dogs. Pets become infected by the whipworm egg which can only be seen under a microscope. It’s as easy as your dog walking where an egg is present and then licking their paws.
  • Tapeworms: Infection occurs by pets swallowing a flea that carries tapeworms. Not extremely harmful, but can cause an upset tummy, cramping, itchy bottom and excessive gas.
  • Giardia: Invisible to the naked eye. Pets can become infected after coming into contact with contaminated water or other substances soiled with feces. The most common sign of Giardia is diarrhea.
  • Coccidia: Is a single celled organism that is found in the soil and any other substances that may contain feces. Infection can cause diarrhea and sometime weakness.