Deworming

Deworming plays a vital role in keeping your pet healthy and safeguarding them from the dangers of parasitic worms.

Schedule an Appointment

The Importance of Deworming Your Pet

Worms can reside in your pet’s intestinal tract, leading to problems like malnutrition, vomiting, diarrhea, and even intestinal blockages. Some parasites can also be passed to humans, making deworming important for public health as well. Routine deworming treatments help eliminate these parasites, ensuring your pet can absorb nutrients properly while preventing discomfort and potential health complications.

Common Internal Parasites Found in Dogs and Cats

For the well-being of your beloved pet, it's crucial to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for deworming medications and schedules. Regular deworming helps protect dogs and cats from the following internal parasites:

Roundworms: These large intestinal worms are one of the most common infections in puppies and kittens. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a potbelly appearance, and stunted growth.
Hookworms: These small, hook-shaped worms attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, potentially causing anemia in severe cases.
Whipworms: These worms live in the cecum and colon and can cause bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and general unthriftiness (more common in dogs than cats).
Tapeworms: These segmented flatworms are contracted from fleas or undercooked meat. They can cause weight loss and irritation around the anus.
Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes, these worms migrate to the heart and lungs, leading to coughing, lethargy, and potential heart failure if untreated (primarily affecting dogs but occasionally seen in cats).
Giardia: This single-celled parasite causes diarrhea and can be transmitted through contaminated water or feces.

Contact Us

Call Cranberry Twp: (724) 779-8300

Call Valencia: (724) 345-2598

How Intestinal Parasites Can Impact Your Pet’s Health

Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms feed on your pet's blood, nutrients, and tissues, leading to malnutrition and impaired growth - especially in puppies and kittens. Large worm burdens can cause intestinal blockages, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Some worms attach to the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and bleeding that robs your pet of vital nutrients and iron, which can result in anemia.

Beyond these direct effects, deworming is essential from a public health standpoint - especially for households with children. Dogs and cats can shed worm eggs in their feces, which can then contaminate soil and be inadvertently ingested. Children who play in the dirt and put objects in their mouths are at increased risk of infection if pets are not properly dewormed.

Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats

While some symptoms can be caused by other conditions, if you notice any combination of these signs in your pet, it's a good idea to have your veterinarian test for the presence of intestinal parasites through fecal exams or other diagnostic methods. Here are common signs that may indicate your pet has intestinal parasites:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Pot-bellied appearance
Poor appetite
Scooting/dragging rear end (more common in dogs)
Visible worms in feces or around the anus
Coughing (in case of heartworms)
Lethargy
Dull, unhealthy coat
Pale gums (indicating anemia)
Failure to grow properly (in puppies and kittens)
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Restlessness or irritability
Bloating
Constipation
Skin irritation around the anus
Dehydration

If you are concerned that your dog or cat may have intestinal parasites, please reach out to our team so we can do a thorough evaluation and recommend the appropriate treatment option.

How Internal Parasites Can Be Prevented

Protecting your pets from the dangers of internal worms starts with basic preventive care. Promptly dispose of your pet's feces to remove any shed worm eggs from the environment and practice good hygiene. Discourage your pet from eating rodents, birds, or other potential parasite sources. Keep your dog and cat on year-round heartworm prevention medication, as these products also help control other types of worms. Have your veterinarian perform routine fecal exams and deworm your pet on the recommended schedule—this is especially crucial for puppies and kittens, who are more susceptible.

Reduce exposure risks by not allowing your pet to drink standing water that could be contaminated. Maintaining your pet on a quality diet and keeping their living area clean also promotes overall health to better withstand parasites. With these straightforward preventive measures, you can effectively protect your pet from the dangers of internal worms.

Contact Us

Call Cranberry Twp: (724) 779-8300

Call Valencia: (724) 345-2598

Call Today for Deworming Services

Protect your pet from the dangers of internal parasites. Schedule a deworming appointment for your dog or cat at Windrose Animal Hospital today. Our compassionate veterinary team provides comprehensive care to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and parasite-free.

Schedule an Appointment