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A simple answer would be because we all have to handle it practically every day. There can be microscopic parasites lurking in it unbeknownst to us. As it would not be in a parasite’s best interest to cause disease in their host, dogs and cats most often do not show any symptoms of parasites. We would never know unless we screened for them.        

Not only this but parasites can enter our homes from our pets tracking them in on their paws or from soil on our shoes. This way cats that do not even go outside can become infected with parasites by licking their fur.

There is also the potential for humans to become infected with parasites from our pets. This is best represented in a condition called visceral larval migrans which most commonly affects children. Once parasitic eggs are ingested the eggs hatch into larvae which migrate through the body causing damage to tissues.

Other parasites shared by people and pets can cause a range of symptoms in people including diarrhea, nervous systems disease, and eye problems.

It is best to find out sooner than later if your pet has parasites since the longer they have them, the more eggs are shed into the environment.  Once in the environment they cannot be removed and they can remain active for years waiting to infect a host again. This is why we screen pets for parasites at least once a year as part of their routine health check.

Puppies often become infected with worms even prior to being born due to cysts in the muscle tissue of the mother containing the larval stage which are activated during pregnancy. Larva can also be passed through the milk in cats and dogs that are nursing. This is why it is so important to deworm puppies and kittens as well as screen them for other parasites by checking their fecal sample.

Talk to a member of our staff at Martindale Animal Clinic about testing your pet, we are here to help.