Adult Cat Vaccinations: Keeping Your Feline Healthy for Life
April 29, 2026
Intestinal parasites are unfortunately common in both dogs and cats, even those that appear healthy and live mostly indoors. These parasites live in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause anything from mild digestive upset to serious illness—especially in puppies, kittens, senior pets, and those with weakened immune systems. At our AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, we emphasize prevention, early detection, and gentle, effective treatment to keep pets and people safe.
What Are Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites are organisms that live inside a pet’s digestive system and feed off nutrients meant for your pet. The most common intestinal parasites seen in dogs and cats include:
- Roundworms – Very common, especially in puppies and kittens; can be transmitted from mother to baby.
- Hookworms – Feed on blood in the intestines and can cause anemia, particularly in young pets.
- Whipworms – More common in dogs; can cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
- Tapeworms – Often spread through fleas or by ingesting infected prey.
- Giardia – A microscopic protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea and is commonly associated with contaminated water.
- Coccidia – Another microscopic parasite, most often affecting puppies and kittens.
Some intestinal parasites can also pose zoonotic risks, meaning they can be transmitted to people—making routine testing and prevention especially important.
How Do Pets Get Intestinal Parasites?
Dogs and cats can become infected in many ways, including:
- Ingesting parasite eggs or larvae from soil, grass, or feces
- Drinking contaminated water
- Hunting or eating wildlife
- Exposure to fleas
- Nursing from an infected mother
- Contact with other infected animals
Even indoor pets are not immune, as parasite eggs can be tracked inside on shoes or other pets.
Signs of Intestinal Parasites in Pets
Some pets show obvious symptoms, while others may appear completely normal. Common signs include:
- Diarrhea (with or without blood or mucus)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies and kittens)
- Scooting or licking the rear
- Dull coat or poor body condition
- Lethargy
Because symptoms are not always present, routine fecal testing is critical for early detection.
How Are Intestinal Parasites Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a fecal examination, where a small stool sample is analyzed for parasite eggs or organisms. At AAHA-accredited practices, testing protocols follow evidence-based guidelines and often include advanced diagnostics that improve detection of microscopic parasites like Giardia.
We recommend:
- Fecal testing at least once yearly for adult pets
- More frequent testing for puppies, kittens, and pets with diarrhea
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of parasite identified and may involve one or more deworming medications. Most treatments are safe, effective, and well-tolerated when prescribed appropriately.
At our hospital, we prioritize low-stress handling techniques and individualized treatment plans to ensure pets remain comfortable throughout diagnosis and care.
It’s important to note that not all dewormers treat all parasites, so accurate diagnosis is key.
Preventing Intestinal Parasites
Prevention is far easier—and safer—than treating an active infection. We recommend:
- Year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention for dogs and cats
- Routine fecal testing
- Prompt disposal of pet waste
- Flea prevention to reduce tapeworm risk
- Avoiding standing water and discouraging hunting behavior when possible
Many monthly heartworm preventives also protect against common intestinal parasites.
When to See Your Veterinarian
If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or you’ve noticed worms or segments in the stool, schedule an appointment promptly. Puppies and kittens should be evaluated early and often, as parasites can significantly impact growth and development.
If you have questions about intestinal parasites, fecal testing, or preventive medications, our veterinary team is here to help.
Protecting your pet from intestinal parasites protects your whole family. Schedule a wellness visit today to keep your dog or cat healthy from the inside out.
Why AAHA Accreditation Matters
AAHA-accredited veterinary practices voluntarily meet higher standards for quality care, cleanliness, diagnostics, pain management, and patient safety. This means your pet’s parasite prevention and treatment plan is based on the most current veterinary guidelines and delivered with compassion and expertise.
