NOT FOUND: pet parasites.jpgOur cats and dogs bring so much joy to youngsters. But these furry pals can also bring unwanted intestinal parasites that can spread to kids and make them sick. The transmission of worms to children is a common occurrence and can take a toll on their health. So when there is a four-legged family member in the home, maintaining his health is not just important for the sake of the animal, but for the well being of the children as well.
Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms are the most common types of intestinal parasites spread to kids from pets. These worms are released through feces and can contaminate the soil, sand and grass.
Roundworms are transmitted to children when they accidentally ingest the eggs. This happens when kids play in contaminated areas and then eat or put their hands into their mouths before washing them. After roundworm eggs are ingested by kids, they make their way to the intestines where they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the roundworm larvae are released into the bloodstream and travel to all parts of the body including major organs such as the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and eyes. Roundworms feed on the blood of their human hosts and rob them of vital nutrients. These worms can also cause malnutrition, abdominal pain, anemia, enlarged liver, pneumonitis and although rare, serious neurological diseases such as blindness.
Like roundworms, hookworms can be ingested. But these parasites can also penetrate the skin through the soles of the feet and the buttocks when youngsters play barefoot or sit on contaminated surfaces. When hookworms enter the body, they cause an intensely itchy local rash; eventually they make their way to the small intestines and attach themselves to the intestinal wall. Hookworms rob kids of nutrients and cause malnutrition and anemia. Additionally, hookworms can cause intestinal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Because a child would actually have to ingest an infected flea to get tapeworms, the transmission of this parasite is not as common as roundworms and hookworms. However, it's quite possible for tapeworm-infected fleas to jump on a child's food or hop into his mouth when he's playing on carpeted areas and kissing on pets. Tapeworms are made of segments that resemble cucumber seeds when they separate. These parasites can be seen in a child's bowel movements or around the anus. Tapeworms can cause anal itching, cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
There are several things parents can do to keep children from contracting these parasites. All puppies and kittens should be dewormed with an effective and safe roundworm dewormer (such as Pyrantel Pamoate) at 2,4,6,8,12 and 16 weeks of age. Monthly heartworm preventatives, such as Interceptor, help to minimize any intestinal parasite infections in dogs of all ages. Revolution is a broad spectrum parasiticide that is ideal for cats. It is very important to maintain proper veterinary care with annual exams and routine fecal tests and then to have your pets treated for fleas and worms as necessary. Also, clean up dog feces promptly, keep pet areas sanitized, never let children play outside with bare feet in places to which animals have access, and have kids wash their hands after playing with animals and always before eating.
Come in and meet the doctors and staff at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital, 3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, CA 95660 916-332-2845.