Types of Worms & Parasites That Kill Pets

Certain varieties of parasites and worms can be deadly to pets. This is especially true for dogs and cats. Vaccinations are never 100 percent effective for some types of worms and parasites, and animals should undergo regular exams and fecal tests to make sure they have not been infected. Pets that have contracted hookworms, whipworms, heartworms or coccidia can be easily treated with medication. Preventing an infection or administering treatment before a pet becomes ill is a much wiser course of action than treating after the fact.

  1. Heartworms

    • Heartworms are transmitted to dogs by the bite of an infected mosquito. If an infected dog is left untreated the worms may cause bleeding, labored breathing, blocked blood vessels or death via heart failure. Several different medications are available that either kill heartworms or prevent their growth, and the active ingredient in all of them is the drug ivermectin. Dogs should always undergo a blood test to detect heartworms prior to the administration of preventative medications.

    Hookworms

    • Cats and dogs may contract parasitical hookworms by ingesting larvae from dirt or feces. Hookworms take up residence in the small intestine and consume blood to survive. If left untreated a pet with hookworms may die of anemia. Animals with hookworms may vomit, seem weak and lethargic and suffer from dark, bloody diarrhea. Hookworms may be transmitted to puppies in utero. Several medications are effective against hookworms, including the heartworm drug ivermectin.

    Whipworms

    • Whipworms are nearly identical to hookworms, causing nearly the same symptoms, however they live in an animal's large intestine. Fecal samples may not always be accurate in whipworm diagnosis, since the worms sporadically shed their eggs. Humans can contract whipworms and hookworms from a pet. Whipworms may be treated with oral medications, but reinfection is common.

    Coccidia

    • Cats and dogs are equally susceptible to coccidia, a protozoaic parasite that causes the grown of internal cysts. These cysts may cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can lead to severe infections and death. Coccidia is more common in young pets, and mature animals may not exhibit any symptoms when infected. Dogs and cats with coccidia may need sulfa drugs, antibiotics and intravenous fluids.