Roundworms (Ascarids): puppies and kittens are infected in utero; adult dogs and cats via ingesting eggs in feces or by eating a rodent. People can become infected by ingesting eggs, which develop into larvae that migrate through the liver, lungs, and eyes. Worms are white, round, and look like spaghetti. Puppies and kittens should be treated at 2 week intervals with Pyrantel and a fecal sample should be rechecked 4 weeks after the second dose is given. We like to see two negative fecal samples on puppies and kittens to be sure they are worm-free. 

Hookworms: cause weight loss, bloody diarrhea, and anemia in severely infected animals by sucking blood. Dogs and cats are infected via ingesting larval stages or by larval stages penetrating through the skin or footpads or can be passed in utero. These worms are difficult to see without a microscope. People can become infected when the larval stages penetrate the skin and cause a skin condition known as cutaneous larval migrans or creeping eruption. Dogs and cats should be treated at 2 week intervals with Pyrantel and a fecal sample should be rechecked 4 weeks after the second dose is given.

Whipworms: cause weight loss and bloody diarrhea. Cats are rarely infected with whipworms. Dogs are infected by ingesting eggs in feces. These worms are difficult to see without a microscope. Dogs should be treated with Panacur 3 days in a row and a fecal sample rechecked in 3 weeks. Some dogs may need to be treated again 3 weeks after the 1^st dose and again 3 months after the 1^st dose. Whipworms do not infect people.

Giardia: protozoal infection that causes bloody diarrhea. Dogs and cats are infected by ingesting cysts passed in feces or present in puddles or ponds. Animals are treated with either Metronidazole or Panacur and a fecal should be rechecked on the last day of the medication. People can become infected with giardia by ingesting cysts.

Coccidia: protozoal infection that causes bloody diarrhea and is common in puppies and kittens. Infection occurs via ingestion of cysts in feces or via ingestion of a rodent. Treatment consists of Albon liquid for 8 days or Albon tablets for 8 days, depending upon the weight of the animal. Coccidia are species specific, thus the cats infected in the house cannot pass it to the dog in the house. A fecal sample should be rechecked on the last day of the medication. People cannot become infected with coccidia.

Tapeworms: usually do not cause any clinical signs, possibly diarrhea. Dogs and cats are infected by eating a flea or by ingesting a rodent. These worms are flat like noodles and occasionally animals will vomit or pass them in the feces. However, it is more common to see the dried segments, which look like grains of rice, on the hair around the anus. Infected animals are treated with Droncit once. It is very uncommon to see tapeworm eggs in a fecal sample, thus a fecal sample does not need to be checked to diagnose tapeworms.