What Pet Owners Should Know About Roundworms and Hookworms
People can become infected with roundworms and hookworms from their pets. Dogs and cats that are infected with these parasites can contaminate their surroundings through fecal matter. The eggs and larvae can survive in the soil at parks, playgrounds and your yard.
Hookworm larva penetrate into the skin causing skin inflammation and infection. They can also penetrate into deeper tissue such as the intestines and other organs.
Roundworms enter the body when the eggs are ingested. The larvae travel through the liver, lungs, and other organs. In some cases these larva can produce condition know as visceral larva migrans.
These larvae can cause tissue damage, nerve damage and occasionally blindness.
By keeping your pets on a monthly dewormer, such as Sentinel or Trifexis, and good general hygiene, you can prevent these infections.
For more information go to www.cdc.gov/healthypets or www.capcvet.org.
Tammy Washburn, LVT
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