Intestinal Parasites are, quite literally, parasites. There are a variety of different species but they have some similarities. One, they live inside the intestines of your pet; dog or cat. Two, your pet may become ill. Three, they are contagious to people. Some of the more commonly know parasites are: the Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm, Giardia, Coccida, and Tapeworms.
- Roundworms: This parasite may be the most common among puppies and kittens. While living in the intestines, the Roundworm will survive off of nutrients meant to go to your pet. With heavy infestations your pet may vomit the Roundworms or you may see them in the feces.
- Hookworms: This parasite actually attaches to the intestinal wall with their large teeth. Hookworms gain most of their nutrients from the blood of your pet while they are attached to the intestines. Large infestations may cause lethargy, tarry looking feces, and even anemia.
- Whipworms: A hungry parasite that is eager to take nutrition from your pet and selfishly use it for its own strength and growth.
- Giardia: This parasite is very common in the Colorado region. Pets may become infected by ground water and stagnate water sources. Animals may also become infected from a fresh mountain stream due to wild animals defecating in the water. Your pet may end up having watery diarrhea.
- Coccidia: A single-celled protozoan and another parasite common among puppies and kittens which is likely to cause diarrhea.
- Tapeworms: This parasite will sap vital nutrients from your pet. Appearance of your pet may be a full belly and a dull hair coat. Tapeworms are a segmented parasite and when a segment breaks off your pet will then poop it out. At this time the segment may become attached to the hair around the rectum and will look like a piece of rice. All of these parasites may be contagious to people but are also easy to treat.
