The most common parasites in dogs and cats are worms. Most puppies and kittens get worms before or shortly after birth. There are many types of worms that can infect your pet, including tapeworm and roundworm. These parasites can affect your pet’s ability to absorb nutrients and without treatment, can damage the lining of the intestinal tract (stomach).
Parasites not only affect our furry friends, but they can also be passed on to us. The parasite’s eggs are passed through your pet’s feces and are spread throughout the area the pet spends time in. Once in the environment, these eggs can remain active and be a health risk for your pet and your family for years.

Can I get internal parasites from my pet?
Yes. Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of pets and the most likely to be passed on to humans. Humans can accidentally ingest worm eggs that have been passed through the pet’s feces.

How can I reduce the risk of parasites infecting my family?

You can reduce the risk of infection by getting rid of parasites from pets. Your veterinarian can tell you the best treatment. Other steps include:

• Do not let children play in areas such as pet “walk areas,” and other high-animal traffic areas.
• Cover your sandbox to stop outdoor animals from using it as a toilet.
• Practice good personal hygiene, which means washing your hands and your children’s hands thoroughly and often.
• Dispose of pet feces on a regular basis. This can help remove worm eggs before they are picked up or ingested by pets or humans.