Roundworms, Hookworms, and Your Pet
Roundworms and hookworms are the most common parasites that can live in your pet’s intestine. They can cause several gastrointestinal complications, and they can be especially dangerous in young kittens and puppies.
Luckily, NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is safe for dogs 8 weeks or older, weighing 4 pounds or more. NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) is safe for kittens 8 weeks or older, weighing 1.8 pounds or more.
Roundworms
Roundworms are extremely common in young dogs, infecting over 90% of puppies. In dogs, it’s very common for mothers to pass roundworms to their puppies prior to birth, and kittens can be infected while nursing their mother. Because roundworms feed off of partially digested food in the intestinal tract, they rob puppies and kittens of vital nutrients, resulting in stunted growth for the animal.
Pets can contract roundworms by ingesting roundworm eggs from their environment, while grooming, or by eating infected animals, such as rodents.1 After ingestion, roundworm larvae migrate through the walls of the intestines, liver, and lungs. Larvae are then coughed up from the lungs, swallowed, and finally grow into adult roundworms that live in the intestines.
Have your pet examined regularly for roundworms by a veterinarian. This parasite spreads easily, which means infection is very difficult to control.
Hookworms
Hookworms are intestinal parasites that can live in your pet’s small intestine. Pets can become infected with hookworms when they are exposed to infective larvae found in the environment either by ingesting the larvae or through larval penetration of the skin as well as by ingesting infected animals. Dogs and cats can even become infected when they eat infected cockroaches. In dogs, puppies are commonly infected with hookworms while nursing their mother.
True to their name, they attach themselves to the intestinal wall by literally hooking onto the tissue. Hookworms feed on a pet’s blood and eject their eggs into the digestive tract, which allows them to be passed into your pet’s environment via their feces.1
Hookworms can cause blood loss, anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, and death, especially in kittens and puppies. Pets should be regularly examined for hookworms by a veterinarian. If your pet develops a hookworm infection, your veterinarian can diagnose and help treat it.
Look for the Warning Signs
The most common way to diagnose a roundworm or hookworm infection is with a test called fecal flotation, which your vet can perform.1,2 This is a test performed on your pet’s stool sample that allows your vet to detect the presence of parasite eggs. Prompt treatment of pets can help reduce further damage as well as mitigate the possibility of the worms spreading. Common signs of roundworms and hookworms include:1,3
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Weight loss
- • Poor coat appearance
- • Lethargy
- • Dehydration
- • Blood in stool
Treatment for Roundworms and Hookworms
The best way to address the presence of roundworms or hookworms in your pet is to have a conversation with your vet. A veterinarian will recommend what to do, which may include deworming medication and/or sanitation and changes in your pet’s environment.
When it comes to hookworm and roundworm infections, your vet can also prescribe a monthly parasite treatment such as NexGard PLUS chews for dogs or NexGard COMBO topical solution for cats.
IMPORTANT SAFEY INFORMATION:
NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is safe for puppies at 8 weeks, weighing 4 pounds or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) is for topical use only in cats. Safe for use in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 1.8 pounds or more. Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, lethargy, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur. Avoid direct contact with application site until visibly dry. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
NexGard® (afoxolaner) is for use in dogs only. Safe for use in puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 pounds or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.