More Parasites in Cats or Dogs? A Surprising Comparison

The number and variety of parasites, as well as the severity of the infestation, depend on the living environment and the health condition of the dog. If a dog lives in a damp, dark, and unsanitary environment, with unclean food and water sources, it is more likely to have a severe internal parasite infestation. Of course, dogs and cats can also be prone to parasites due to their own health conditions and deficiencies in nutritional elements.

Golden Retriever with Parasite Infection

1. Symptoms

Severe roundworm infections can lead to death in pets due to malnutrition; hookworms can cause itchy dermatitis between the pet's toes, leading to severe acute anemia; tapeworm infections may affect the pet's appetite, causing alternating constipation and diarrhea, and leading to weight loss; infection with Toxocara canis can lead to respiratory infections; infection with Toxoplasma gondii can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing; and infection with Cryptosporidium can result in diarrhea, enteritis, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

2. Treatment Methods

Once a pet is diagnosed with a parasite infection, the owner should treat the symptoms accordingly. It is essential to regularly deworm pets. For dogs and cats under six months old, deworming should be done once a month. For those over six months, the frequency should be determined based on the living environment and season. During the summer, it is recommended to deworm pets once a month, while in the winter, if the environment is wellmaintained, deworming every 13 months is sufficient.

Warm Reminders:

The age of the pet can affect the type of deworming medication used. Some topical treatments can prevent parasites for up to a month, while others, when taken orally, can last from 1 to 3 months. Pet owners should follow the veterinarian's advice when purchasing and using deworming medications.