Intestinal Parasite & Deworming Treatment for Dogs and Cats

Intestinal parasites are more common in dogs and cats than many pet owners realize. Some pets show clear signs, while others can have parasites without looking sick at all. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable, but adult dogs and cats can also pick up parasites from soil, stool, fleas, other animals, grooming, hunting, or time spent outdoors.

At Greater Saint John Veterinary Wellness & Urgent Care, we provide fecal testing, deworming treatment, and parasite prevention guidance for dogs and cats in Quispamsis and the Greater Saint John area.

If your pet has diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, a bloated belly, or you’ve noticed worms in their stool, it’s worth having them checked. The sooner parasites are identified, the easier they usually are to treat and manage.

Common Intestinal Parasites in Pets

Dogs and cats can be affected by several types of intestinal parasites, including:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Tapeworms
• Whipworms
• Giardia
• Coccidia

Some parasites are more common in young pets, while others can affect pets at any age. Certain parasites may also pose health risks to people, especially children, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system. That’s why testing and prevention are important not just for your pet, but for the whole household.

Signs Your Pet May Have Intestinal Parasites

Parasites can cause different symptoms depending on the type of parasite, your pet’s age, and how long the infection has been present. Some pets show clear symptoms, while others may appear completely normal. Signs can include:

• Diarrhea or soft stool
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Bloated belly
• Increased appetite without weight gain
• Dull coat
• Scooting or licking around the rear
• Visible worms in stool or around the anus
• Low energy
• Poor growth in puppies or kittens

You may also notice your pet scooting, licking around the rear, or passing visible worms in their stool. However, not all parasites can be seen with the naked eye. Many infections are only found through fecal testing, even when a pet seems completely normal.

Because these signs can overlap with many other health issues, a veterinary exam and stool test can help us understand what’s actually going on and recommend the right treatment.

How Parasites Are Diagnosed

The most common way to check for intestinal parasites is with a fecal test. This allows us to look for parasite eggs, cysts, or other signs of infection in your pet’s stool.

During the visit, we may also perform a physical exam, review your pet’s symptoms and lifestyle, and talk about any recent changes such as diarrhea, appetite shifts, weight loss, or exposure to other animals.

Not all parasites show up the same way, and not every parasite is treated with the same medication. Testing helps us choose a treatment that actually matches your pet’s needs.

Deworming Treatment for Dogs and Cats

Deworming treatment depends on the parasite involved, as well as your pet’s age, weight, health, and risk of reinfection. Some pets need a single course of medication, while others may need repeat treatment or follow-up testing.

In some situations, we may also recommend treating other pets in the home, especially if there is a risk of shared exposure. If tapeworms are suspected, flea control may also be part of the plan, since pets can get tapeworms after swallowing infected fleas.

It’s best to use veterinary-recommended deworming products because different medications treat different parasites. A pet store dewormer may not target the correct parasite and could delay proper treatment.

Parasite Prevention

Even after successful treatment, pets can be exposed to intestinal parasites again. Prevention helps reduce the risk of reinfection and supports your pet’s long-term health.

For many pets, prevention may include routine fecal testing, year-round parasite prevention, regular deworming for puppies and kittens, and flea prevention when needed. Simple habits also help, such as cleaning up stool promptly, preventing pets from eating feces or hunting small animals, and testing new pets before introducing them to the household.

Our team will help you choose a prevention plan that makes sense for your pet’s lifestyle, age, and risk level.

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