There are many types of intestinal parasites that your family dog or cat can contract. If your family pet goes outside, plays with other animals, walks in sand boxes, or digs in the dirt they are at risk of catching an intestinal parasite.

The more common parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Each are easy for the pets to get, and without treatment can be passed onto their human owners. Signs that your pet might have an intestinal parasite include: diarrhea, weight loss, increased scooting, a change in your pets appetite or coat, and/or excessive coughing.

The test to determine whether your pet has one of these parasites is simple, and can be done by your veterinarian without having to bring your pet in for an appointment. You would just need to bring a fresh stool sample from your pet, and their technicians will check it under a microscope to see if larva are present. Once parasites are confirmed, the veterinarian will then prescribe a de-worming regimen for your pet.

“Every dog and cat I’ve picked up since I’ve started has had intestinal parasites,” stated Jennifer Herne, Animal Control Officer for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. “Some of these puppies were so loaded with roundworms that they were vomiting them,” stated Herne.

Kittens available for adoption from the SRMT Kennel were on hand at the workshop

This workshop is the first in a series that the Animal Control Program will be hosting in the year to come. “The key to pet safety is prevention, keeping your pet flea free and asking your vet for monthly heartworm preventatives will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy.”

For more information about the Pet Safety workshop that was held this week, or to register your pet with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Animal Control Program, contact the Animal Control Officer at 518-358-2272 ext. 287.