There are several types of intestinal parasites that infect virtually all puppies and kittens and can commonly infect adult animals. These include tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

Giardia and coccidia are also common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. Although these parasites live inside the pet, they produce eggs too small to be seen with the naked eye. These eggs are passed in the pet's feces.

It is impossible to conclude that your pet does not have internal parasites on visual examination of the stool, so we use a microscope to analyze your pet's fecal sample to identify any intestinal parasites.

An appropriate medication can then be prescribed for treatment. Not only are your pets at risk, but many of these internal parasites can be transmitted to humans, especially children, the elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 17% (approximately 1 in 7) of the people in the US test positive, and have had exposure to dog or cat roundworms.

Dogs on heartworm prevention are already receiving a monthly dose of dewormer against some of these parasites; dogs not receiving monthly heartworm prevention should receive a broad-spectrum dewormer at least annually. We recommend Revolution for outdoor cats to protect against fleas and some internal parasites.

Fecal examinations can detect anything that is missed by these other deworming treatments and should be performed on all pets at least annually. Protect your pets and your family from internal parasites.