Common Internal Parasites in Cats and Dogs

So, what kinds of parasites might our furry friends encounter, and among these, which ones pose a threat to us humans? How can we prevent these infections? Let's dive into this topic and learn together.

Roundworm Disease

Intestinal roundworms extracted from a pet's body.

Routes of Infection: The disease can be contracted by ingesting worm eggs (such as through consuming raw meat), via the placenta, or by nursing from an infected mother.

Common Symptoms: Mild infections often show no clinical signs. Severe cases may present with loss of appetite, weight loss, unusual eating habits, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, constipation or bowel obstruction due to a large number of worms.

Prevention: Regular deworming and avoiding feeding your dog raw food.

Trichinosis

Trichina worms found in muscle tissue.

Routes of Infection: Consumption of meat containing trichina cysts.

Common Symptoms: During the larval stage in the small intestine, symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the presence of mucus or blood in the stool. After eight days, larvae migrate to the striated muscles, causing muscle pain, abnormal movements, difficulty chewing, and a rise in body temperature.

Prevention: Ensure all meat is wellcooked, and prevent your dog from hunting other animals. Always cook meat thoroughly before consuming it yourself.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworms that reside in the heart.

Routes of Infection: Spread by mosquitoes and fleas.

Common Symptoms: In the early stages, there may be skin nodules. Later, as the worms enter the heart, symptoms include chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, and a rise in body temperature.

Prevention: Pay attention to mosquito control during peak seasons.

Liver Fluke Disease

Clonorchis sinensis, the liver fluke.

Routes of Infection: Dogs and cats can become infected by eating raw fish or shrimp that are already infested.

Common Symptoms: In severe cases, there may be a loss of appetite, alternating constipation and diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss. Severe infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and an enlarged abdomen.

Prevention: Avoid feeding your pets raw fish or shrimp; keep them away from fish ponds and water bodies.

Pulmonary Fluke Disease

Paragonimus westermani, the lung fluke.

Routes of Infection: Consumption of crustaceans such as crabs and crayfish that are already infected.

Common Symptoms: Symptoms include coughing and asthma, especially after strenuous exercise.

Prevention: Avoid feeding live crayfish and crabs to your pets.