Parasites: Dogs, Cats and their Caretakers
Contributed by Karunasraddha Sabnani
When most people hear the word ‘parasites’ they think of an intestinal infection that can only be contracted while traveling abroad to a third world country or drinking contaminated water. Therefore, most people only take precautions when making travel or camping plans. In fact, there is a high prevalence of transmission of parasites from dogs and cats to human pet owners. Parasite infections in cats, dogs and yourself are a great health concern as they are easy to contract and cause symptoms that can be dangerous and difficult to treat.
It is important to know how to properly prevent parasites in your dogs and cats and to know the signs of infection once present. Also, it is essential to know what precautions to take in care-taking of your pets to prevent infection in yourself.
Dogs and Cats
There are various types of worms (intestinal parasites) with which your dog or cat can be infected. Some commonly seen species are: hookworm, roundworm (most common), tapeworm, heartworm and whipworm. Younger animals are more likely to be infected. Each of these worms present with a different symptom picture and thus it is suggested to dog/cat owners that you research each presentation in detail so it can be recognized easily. Since all worms cannot be seen with the naked eye, it is imperative that you ask your vet to perform a stool analysis on your dog/cat at least once a year.
The most common way that pets get infected with parasites is through the ingestion of eggs of the intestinal parasites which are passed through the feces of the cat or dog. Tapeworm is passed through the ingestion of ‘a host’ such as flea or small rodent that carries the tapeworm larvae. Also, pets can be infected with Giardia (protozoa) if they drink from contaminated puddles, lakes, streams, or ponds.
Toxoplasmosis gondii (protozoa) which is excreted from cats and found in cat liter is another parasite that precaution must be used to prevent as infection with this protozoa can cause behavioral changes or more severely brain damage.
Common Symptoms of Parasite Infection in your dog/cat (There can be no symptom presentation as well)
- Pot Belly
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Appetite Loss
- Weight Loss
- Flatulence
- Presence of worms in stool
- Poor Body and Coat Condition
Parasite Prevention for dogs/cats
- Pick up after your dog in parks and your backyard to prevent soil contamination
- Control fleas to prevent spreading tapeworm
- Clean your pet’s living and sleeping space often. Spray a strong saltwater solution on beds to prevent worms
- Deworm your pets regularly as taught by your vet
- Restrict your pet’s roaming area
- Clean your cat’s liter box often and cover when not in use
- Keep pets clean and give them a bath after deworming
- Avoid exposing your pet to stray animals, rodents, birds, etc…
- THE MOST COMMON form of worm infestation is spread through feces. Keep your dog away from his own feces and the feces of other animals
- Give your pets prepared foods NOT raw meat. Give your pets fresh water and watch that they don’t get into the toilet bowl as a source of drinking water
Humans
The better care you take of your pets to prevent parasite infection, the less likely you are to contract a parasite infection from them. Prevention is definitely better than the cure when it comes to parasites. Symptoms of parasite infection in humans can range from mild to severe. Pregnant women and immunocompromised people have to be extra careful and should especially heed the tips given below. The stronger your immune system and digestion, the less likely you are to contract a parasite from your pet or in general.
Common Symptoms of Parasite in Humans (there can be no symptom presentation or symptoms not listed here)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain/Cramping
- Sallow skin color/lack luster skin/eczema
- Fatigue
- Weight Loss
- Odd colored and smelling stools/itchy anus
- Fever
- Presence of worms in stool
- Bloating and flatulence
- Gurgling sounds in Abdomen
- Hair Loss
- Lack of appetite or increased appetite and cravings
Parasite Prevention for Humans
- Wash your hands regularly and especially after handling your pet or pet’s living area and before eating
- Clean litter boxes daily. PREGNANT AND IMMUNO-COMPROMISED people should NOT do this!
- Wear gloves while gardening
- Wear shoes while in areas that could be contaminated with animal stool such as parks and backyards.
- Do not use cat and dog waste as fertilizer in your garden
- Do not let pets lick your mouth
- Do not let pets sleep in bed with you. If this can’t be prevented, make sure to change pillowcases often and wash all bedding with greater frequency
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating as they could have come from contaminated soil
- Keep your house and pets clear of fleas! Carpets are a BIG harbor for flea eggs. Get rid of carpeting or use strong suction vacuum to clean carpet daily. Read all tips given on www.stopthefleas.com to assist in this process
- Cover outdoor sandboxes when not in use
- Prevent children from eating dirt or putting soiled shovels, sand, objects into their mouth. Supervise children when they are sitting on the floor
- Keep toddlers from drinking out of, and playing in pet’s drinking bowls
Treatment
For both you and your pets, having strong intestinal health and strong immunity is the best way to prevent a severe parasite infection. There are probiotics and garlic tablets made for cats and dogs that when given on a regular basis will help to keep their intestinal terrain strong.
Humans with a strong digestive fire (agni) will be less likely to suffer from a severe parasite infection. Maintaining daily bowel movements, eating to your constitution and reducing processed foods/sugar/cold foods is a good start. More specific suggestions can be given to your by your health care practitioner.
Once infected, the treatment route varies depending on the type of infection that the person has contracted. There are many (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic) herbs, probiotics and food-based substances that have parasite-killing properties. STRONG CAUTION must be used in treating most parasite infections without medication. Parasite infections can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Usually, the best type of treatment involves the the combination of natural substances and western medications.
Karunasraddha Sabnani, NMD is licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor in the state of California and is a member of the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors. http://www.karunanaturopathic.com/
