WHAT IS PARASITIC ZOONOSIS?
Some parasitic infections in pets can be transmitted between animals and people. The most common zoonotic internal parasites in pets are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and Giardia.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Parents should be aware of these parasitic diseases because young children are especially at risk. Children are often less careful about hygiene, more likely to put their hands in their mouths, and commonly play in dirt, grass or sand.

HOW ARE THESE INFECTIONS TRANSMITTED?
Playing in soil or sand that is contaminated with fecal matter and then putting their hands or contaminated objects in their mouths infects children. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the skin of both humans and our pets.

WHEN ARE THESE PARASITES A PROBLEM?
Internal parasite eggs and larvae are virtually everywhere in the environment and can survive in the soil for years waiting to infect pets or people. Some species thrive in warm climates while others proliferate in colder regions. This is why routine testing and preventive steps are so important.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
It’s easy to keep your family and pets healthy with periodic testing and treatment. Call us for more information on parasites, prevention and the most complete treatment available for your pets.

You can get more information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP).

9 EASY STEPS TO PREVENT PARASITE INFECTION.
You can protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following these simple prevention measures.

1. Bring in a stool specimen yearly for routine testing. Also test anytime your pet has persistent diarrhea.
2. Practice good hygiene. Wash hands regularly, especially after handling pets or cleaning up pet waste.
3. Remove pet waste from your yard at least 2 – 3 times a week. Daily is best. Also be sure to pick up your pet’s stools when you go for a walk. Be considerate of other pets and people.
4. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
5. Keep pets flea-free. Ingestion of fleas can transmit tapeworms to animals and people.
6. Do not allow children to go barefoot or play in sandboxes at the playgrounds or parks where they are exposed to animal stools. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin.
7. Clean cat litter boxes daily and wash hands afterward.
8. Do not drink water from streams or other sources that may be contaminated with animal feces.
9. Keep pets clean.