How to Know What Kind of Worms Your Pet Has

By eHow Pets Editor

Know What Kind of Worms Your Pet Has Know What Kind of Worms Your Pet Has

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While worms can make your pet sick and can pose a health hazard for your family, treating them is relatively simple once you've identified the culprit. The information below will assist you with that task and help you seek safe and effective treatment for your pet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1
Collect a small, fresh fecal specimen and place it in a plastic bag or airtight container.
Step2
Take the specimen to your veterinarian and request an examination for intestinal parasites. You may also need to bring your pet in with you; call first to find out.
Step3
Get information about different types of worms from your family veterinarian. Parasite risk varies with the type of pet, the locale and whether the pet lives inside or outdoors.
Step4
Check the hair and skin around the anus, or the stool itself, for evidence of tapeworm segments, which are short (1/4 inch), flat and whitish-tan. These are pieces of the tapeworm, and they move when first passed; when dry, they resemble grains of rice.
Step5
They contain tapeworm eggs, which will be ingested by flea larvae, rodents or birds to complete the tapeworm life cycle.
Step6
Suspect roundworms if you observe round, yellowish-white worms, 2 to 3 inches long and pointed on the ends, coiled in your pet's stool or vomit.
Step7
Keep in mind that although roundworms are easy to see when passed, they usually are not passed, so in general, you will not see them - they will be diagnosed in the laboratory.
Step8
Understand that while roundworms are most common in puppies and kittens, they are found in pets of all ages and all types, including reptiles, birds and pocket pets.
Step9
Be aware that diagnosing hookworm, lungworm or whipworm requires microscopic examination of the pet's stool, and diagnosis of heartworm requires a blood test.
Step10
Administer medication only as directed by your veterinarian. Medication developed to eliminate worms is specific for each type of worm and for each species of pet.

Tips & Warnings

  • "Ringworm" is not really a worm but a dermatophyte or fungal infection on the skin and hair.
  • Cats and dogs do not get pinworms; kids and horses do.
  • When a dog or cat scoots his butt on the floor, it is usually not an indication that he has worms, but generally signals a problem with his anal sacs. These are scent glands located near the anus, and this should prompt a call to your veterinarian.
  • You may see fly larvae, or maggots, on stools in the yard or on old food. These are not the same as worms from your pet.
  • Some worms, like roundworm and hookworm, are transmissible from pets to people. All pets should be checked by a veterinarian at least once a year and given worm medication as directed to eliminate this potential health hazard.

Comments

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on 12/31/2007 Heather22 ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER HANDLEING YOUR PUPPY!!!! ROUNDWORM CAN SPREAD!!

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on 12/31/2007 Heather22 ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER HANDLEING YOUR DOG!!! ROUND WORM CAN SPREAD!!!

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on 12/31/2007 i just found out my cat has tapeworm. i am taking her to the vet soon, but until then does anyone have an idea on how to help her. i have had her for 5 years and don't want her to get sick!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!

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on 8/31/2007 Can someone tell me about wolf worms on puppies and how they get them when they are completely house raised

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on 6/12/2007 My puppy, Tyson, is 5 weeks old and I suspect he has roundworm. Is there anything over the counter I can try or some home remedy? I know neither is a substitute for a trip to the vet, but I was just curious......I'm worried here so someone please help. :(

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eHow Article:  How to Know What Kind of Worms Your Pet Has

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

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