Worms, Fleas & Ticks

Click to jump down to information on worms, fleas, or ticks.

INTERNAL PARASITES (WORMS)

Common internal parasites of cats and dogs include:

• Roundworms (including hookworms, whipworms and pinworms): Roundworms are often described as resembling spaghetti noodles.  In heavy infestations, the pet will vomit adult worms up.  The adult worms are rarely seen in the feces of pets until a deworming medication is administered

• Tapeworms: Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms.  Typically owners report that the pet has what looks like grains of rice around the anal area on the fur of the pet.  These are segments of the adult worm that contain transmissible eggs.

How do pets get worms?

Transmission of internal parasites can occur in a few different ways:

• The fecal-oral route: If a pet comes in contact with the feces of an infected animal and ingests eggs or immature worms from those feces, the eggs will develop in the pet’s digestive tract.  That pet will now shed eggs from their feces into the environment.

• Ingestion of wildlife: If a pet ingests an infected bird, mouse or other animal, the immature worms or eggs they are carrying can develop in the pet’s digestive tract.

• Passed on from the mother: If babies are feeding off an infected mother, immature worms from the mother can be passed to the baby via the breast milk, and develop in the baby’s digestive tract.  Immature roundworms can encyst (burrow) in tissue other than the digestive tract where deworming medication will not be effective.  Therefore, even if the mother has been dewormed, once giving birth, these worms can travel through the mother’s body and infect the babies.

• External parasites: Some external parasites such as mosquitoes and fleas can carry immature worms.  When the pet is grooming itself, they ingest the external parasite and the immature worms develop the pet’s digestive tract.

• Through the skin: Certain types of immature worms (such as hookworms) can be present in the environment of infected animals and burrow into the skin of other pets.  The immature worm then migrates through the body and develops in the digestive tract.  Although this is less common, it can occur.

How do I know if my pet has worms?

Internal parasites feed off the tissues, fluids and even ingested food of their host pet.  Heavily infested pets could show the following signs:

• diarrhea or constipation
• anorexia (not eating)
• vomiting
• blood in the stool
• mucus in the stool
• lethargy
• weight loss
• stunted growth
• poor hair coat
• pot-bellied appearance

Can humans get worms from their pets?

Transmission of worms from pets to humans can occur.  This involves the ingestion of the microscopic eggs.  Transmission of worms usually occurs in children as they are too young to understand proper hygiene.  The child will be playing with the pet, not wash their hands afterwords and ingest the microscopic eggs of an infected pet from their hands.  Commonly the eggs are present in sandboxes or dirt, where the infected pet has had a bowel movement.  Proper hand-washing is the most important way to prevent a parasite infection.  If you suspect you or your child has come into contact with a parasite, talk to your Doctor.  Your Doctor will be able to provide a treatment.

For more details on internal parasites visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council http://www.petsandparasites.org.

FLEAS

What are fleas?

Fleas are small, flattened insects that feed off the blood of their hosts, such as dogs and cats.

How does my pet get fleas?

To understand how your pet may contract fleas, it is important to know the flea life cycle.  The life cycle is equally important to know, in order to understand proper treatment of flea infestations.  Adult fleas are contracted from the environment where another infested animal has been present, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, etc…Newly hatched adult fleas jump onto their host, feed, reproduce and lay eggs on the pet.  These eggs can hatch on the host, or fall off into the environment and hatch into the first life stage, the larval stage.  The larvae feed off the waste of the adult fleas on the host or environmental debris.  Larvae on the host then fall off and along with the larvae in the environment, encase themselves in a protective cocoon in order to fully mature into adults.  This is know as the pupal stage.  Fleas can pupate for up to 9 months and during this stage they are resistant to insecticides.  Once the adult flea emerges from the cocoon, they head for a host to feed off.  Two days after the first blood meal, females begin egg production and the cycle starts over.  The entire life cycle of fleas can be completed in as little as 14-28 days in ideal environmental conditions.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

A pet will scratch and bite at themselves if they are infested.  In an early infestation when fewer fleas are present, it is difficult to see the fleas.  This is especially true for cats as they are meticulous groomers.  A simple test can be performed at home to determine the presence of fleas.  Rub a paper towel or tissue over the pet’s fur, on their sides or belly.  You are trying to catch flea dirt which is the feces of fleas.  If there are black specs on the tissue, wet the tissue lightly with water and if the specs turn red, this is flea dirt and the pet is affected by fleas.

How do I treat my pet for fleas?

In order to properly treat a flea infestation, you must treat the pet and their environment.  If you only treat the pet, when the adult fleas mature in the environment, they will re-infest the pet.

• Treatment for your pet:  The safest flea treatment for your pet is available through your veterinarian.  Common forms of flea treatment your veterinarian may recommend include oral tablets or topical applications.  Oral tablets work to kill the adult fleas and follow-up doses are then required.  Topical applications come in a small tube which you apply to several areas of your pet’s skin.  The medication then gets absorbed through the pet’s skin and is distributed systemically (works throughout the entire body).  Depending on the brand used, topical applications will kill the adult and larval life stages, and prevent the eggs from hatching.  Follow-up applications are required to kill the newly hatched adults from the pupal stage that is resistant to insecticides.  Fleas treatments are repeated monthly, usually for 3 months or longer depending on the severity of the infestation and the recommendation of your veterinarian.

• Fleas carry the immature life stage of tapeworms that can be passed onto your pet.  While your pet is grooming itself, it ingests the fleas, and the tapeworms mature in the pet’s digestive tract.  While most flea treatments from your veterinarian treat worms as well, only certain brands treat for tapeworms.  Be sure to ask your veterinarian for additional deworming medication if it is not included in the flea treatment.

• Other flea treatments available at pet stores such as collars, dips and shampoos are not recommended as improper use can render a pet extremely ill.  At the Animal Emergency Hospital, we have seen many flea treatment toxicity cases, specifically in cats.  Most recover after intense treatment.  Signs of flea treatment toxicity include; vomiting, diarrhea, depression, excessive salivation, ataxia (stumbling around), tremors, seizures and coma.  If you notice any of these signs, get your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

• Treatment of the pet’s environment:  All life stages of fleas are present in the pet’s environment.  To rid your pet of fleas, you must also treat their environment.  To begin, all the bedding that the pet comes into contact with must be washed.  You must thoroughly vacuum the house, paying special attention to areas along baseboards and drapes if they are hanging close to the floor.  Vacuum couches as well.  Along with removing the fleas, the vibration of the vacuum cleaner will stimulate the hardy pupal stage to hatch into adults.  Again, this is important as insecticides will not kill the pupal stage of fleas.  Once done vacuuming, remove the bag or canister and dispose of the contents in a garbage bag tied tightly as the fleas will crawl back out of the vacuum cleaner.  Now it’s time to use an insecticidal spray.  Your veterinarian can recommend a safe spray for your home.  Use the spray as directed.  Usually you and your pets will need to vacate the house for a few hours after spraying.  The environment will need to be re-sprayed at the same time the pet is retreated, about one month later.  This is to ensure all life stages are eliminated.  If your pet is strictly outdoors, you will need to have your yard professionally treated.  In cooler climates, frost and a cold winter will kill the fleas off and prevent the population from growing out of control.  In warmer climates however, it is necessary to keep up with preventative treatment for your pet and outdoor environment year round to keep the flea population at a minimum.

What are the effects of my pet having fleas?

Pets can develop flea allergy dermatitis.  This is an inflammation of the skin due to an allergic reaction to the fleas’ saliva.  This is a minor effect of fleas and should clear up when the fleas are treated.  Occasionally the veterinarian will prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis if severe.  In heavy infestations in young or small animals, anemia (low red blood cells) can be a life-threatening problem.  This requires more extensive veterinary care to treat the pet.

Are fleas transmissible to humans?

Fleas have been known to bite humans however do not live on humans.  Pet owners often report bites around their ankles.

TICKS

What are ticks? Ticks are external parasites that feed off the blood of a host such as dogs and humans.  Ticks have hooked mouth parts in which they attach themselves to their host’s skin in order to feed.  It is important to note that ticks do not burrow their head into the skin of the host.  After removal of the tick, it is possible that the mouth parts of the tick will remain attached to the skin and a small bump will form.  The skin will eject the mouth parts in time as part of the natural healing process.  There is no need for concern unless the bump is progressively getting larger in which case you should have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Where are ticks found? Different species of ticks are found throughout the world.  The most common species include the Brown Dog tick that is prevalent all over the world, the Black-legged Deer and American Dog ticks which are widely distributed in North America and the Castor Bean tick that is widely distributed throughout Europe.  Ticks are most prevalent in the spring April-May or earlier depending on your climate.

Are ticks harmful to my pet? Ticks can carry bacteria that are transmissible to your pet.   When a tick feeds off a host, they transmit the bacteria to that host which can cause these diseases:

Lyme Disease: Deer ticks are the major carrier of a bacterium that causes Lyme disease in North America and Europe.  Signs of Lyme disease include:

• Swollen and/or sore joints (may show shifting lameness where the swelling and pain changes from different joints.)
• Fever
• Anorexia
• Depression

It is important to note that these signs can take anywhere from 2-5 months to develop. If your pet is exhibiting these signs even in the winter time, your veterinarian may suggest that a Lyme disease test is performed.  Less commonly, Lyme disease can occur in pets in the form of kidney failure.  Signs of the kidney form of Lyme disease include; vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, increased thirst and increased urination.  Seek veterinary attention immediately if any of these signs are noticed.

Anaplasmosis: Multiple species of ticks are responsible for carrying the bacteria which causes Anaplamosis and the disease has been reported in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.  Signs of Anaplasmosis often mimic Lyme disease and include:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Reluctance to move

Ehrlichiosis: Multiple species of ticks carry the bacteria which causes Ehrlichiosis.  The disease has been reported worldwide.  Signs of Ehrlichiosis include:

• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Spontaneous bleeding, especially from the nose
• Breathing difficulties
• Ataxia (staggering)
• Head tilt

Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis can all be tested for by means of one test which also includes a test for heartworm disease.  A small blood sample is required.  This test is available at most veterinary clinics.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: The American Dog tick is the primary carrier of a bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which is mainly reported in the U.S.  Signs of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include:

• Fever within 2-3 days of tick attachment
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Swelling of the lips, ears or extremities
• Spontaneous bleeding, specifically from the nose
• Respiratory difficulty

What if I find a tick on my pet? A tick may be safely removed from your pet.  The best way to go about this is by pulling the tick straight out of the pet with your fingers. Gloves should be worn when removing ticks from your pet.  A new product is available this year to help owners safely remove ticks from their pets.  The Tick Twister is a plastic, hook-like device that can be used to remove ticks without having to touch the ticks.  This product is veterinary approved and is available for about $4.  A common fear of pet owners is that the “head” of the tick will get left in the pet.  Again, if the mouth parts remain in the pet don’t panic!  Over time, the pet’s skin will work the mouth parts out in much the same way as a splinter is worked out of the body.  The mouth parts will not be alive in the pet.  A small bump is sometimes observed after the removal of a tick.  This is the pet’s body healing the wound of the tick bite.  You may clean the wound with antibacterial soap if required.  If the bump is getting bigger, is very red and hot to the touch and is leaking pus, have your pet seen by a veterinarian.

Can tick-borne diseases be passed to humans? Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from pet to human. The disease can however be contracted by humans directly from ticks. If you are concerned about Lyme disease, talk to your Doctor immediately.

How can I protect my pet from ticks and tick-borne diseases? A vaccine has been recently developed against Lyme disease.  There is currently no vaccine against Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  A tick deterrent may be suggested by your veterinarian to decrease the chance of tick attachment and disease contraction.  Commonly recommended is a topical application that is applied monthly during tick season.  We do not recommend tick powders, dips or collars as if misused can cause toxicities.  Ask your veterinarian if they feel your area is high risk for ticks and the mentioned diseases, and if preventatives are recommended.