Parasites in Pets: Creepy, Common, and Dangerous if Ignored

Few things make pet owners more disgusted than parasites. You might notice tiny worms wriggling in your kitten’s stool, feel a flea bite on your leg in your own home, or spot a tick crawling across the couch after hitching a ride on your dog. These pests aren’t just gross- they can spread disease, cause chronic illness, and even put human family members at risk.

At Town & Country Animal Hospital in Athens, we know prevention is always easier than treatment. From flea and tick prevention to advanced diagnostics that catch problems early, our team helps keep your pets healthy and parasite-free year-round.

Why Year-Round Parasite Prevention Matters

Parasites don’t take the winter off, and neither should prevention. The importance of year-round parasite prevention is clear: fleas and ticks can survive indoors, mosquito-borne heartworms are a risk in every state, and parasite eggs can linger in soil for years. Alabama is a parasite paradise, with our thick vegetation and hot, humid summers.

At Town & Country, we stress preventive care at every wellness visit. Our veterinarians will help you choose the right preventives- oral, topical, or injectable- based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment.

Fleas: Small Parasites, Big Consequences

Fleas reproduce quickly, and their life cycle from eggs, larvae, pupae, to adults means infestations can last months without consistent treatment. Many fleas are now resistant to older over-the-counter medications, which is why veterinary-prescribed products are the most reliable option.

Fleas aren’t just itchy. They:

If fleas are spotted, it may take three months or more of consistent prevention, cleaning, and sometimes professional pest control to completely clear them.

Ticks and Tick-Borne Disease in Pets

Ticks can transmit dangerous infections in just a few hours. They’re not limited to deep woods. Many thrive in suburban backyards.

  • Lyme disease in dogs causes fever, swollen joints, and even kidney damage.
  • Other tick-borne illnesses include ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and anaplasmosis.

Daily tick checks and proven prevention methods are recommended. The CDC also outlines steps for preventing ticks on pets, such as yard management and avoiding high-grass areas.

Intestinal Worms and Giardia: Signs You Can’t Ignore

It’s not uncommon for pet owners to find visible worms in stool or vomit, especially in puppies and kittens. Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can cause bloating, diarrhea, anemia, or vomiting. Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable, which is why we emphasize puppy and kitten wellness visits that include deworming and stool checks.

Some parasites are zoonotic- meaning people can be infected too. To reduce risk, avoid barefoot walking in areas where pets defecate and discourage pets from licking your face.

Another culprit is giardia, a parasite that thrives in water and soil. It’s notoriously difficult to clear, as pets can reinfect themselves through grooming. Multiple treatments and strict sanitation are often required.

Heartworm: A Hidden but Deadly Risk

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, and it’s a serious threat in Alabama. Worms grow inside the heart, lungs, and vessels, leading to irreversible organ damage or death if untreated.

The most common heartworm symptoms include coughing, weight loss, and lethargy. The Heartworm Prevalence Map confirms cases in every state, including the Southeast.

Treatment is expensive and risky, and there is no safe treatment for cats. Prevention with monthly medication is the only reliable way to protect your pet.

Mites: Microscopic but Mighty

Mites in dogs and cats can’t be seen without a microscope, but their effects are obvious: itching, hair loss, and infections.

  • Demodex mites cause patchy hair loss in puppies or pets with weak immune systems.
  • Sarcoptes mites (scabies) burrow under the skin, causing crusting and extreme itching, and they can spread to humans.
  • Ear mites are common in cats, leading to scratching, head shaking, and dark ear discharge.

Treatment always requires prescription medication plus environmental cleaning.

Trematodes and Lung Fluke Infections

Though less common, trematodes (flukes) can still cause serious disease. Pets become infected by eating raw fish, snails, or crayfish carrying larvae.

Advanced testing such as ultrasound or radiology may be needed for diagnosis. Fortunately, Town & Country’s advanced diagnostics make early detection and treatment possible.

Parasites That Threaten People Too

Parasites don’t just affect pets—they can also put families at risk. Many zoonotic parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, and giardia, can spread to humans.

  • Roundworms: Eggs can survive in soil for years. If swallowed, they may damage the liver, lungs, or even eyes.
  • Hookworms: These parasites can penetrate skin, causing itchy rashes after barefoot contact with contaminated soil.
  • Giardia: Easily spread through contaminated water or surfaces, it can cause severe diarrhea in both pets and people.

Protect your household by:

  • Washing hands after handling pets or litter boxes
  • Avoiding barefoot walks where pets defecate
  • Discouraging pets from licking faces or mouths
  • Keeping yards and litter boxes clean

Controlling parasites in pets is one of the best ways to safeguard your entire family’s health.

How Town & Country Detects Parasites

Because many parasites remain hidden until they’ve caused damage, regular veterinary testing is essential. At Town & Country, we use a full range of advanced diagnostics including:

  • Fecal exams for worms and giardia
  • Bloodwork for systemic diseases like heartworm
  • Skin and ear cytology for mites
  • Digital radiology and ultrasound for organ-based parasites

Our team is trained to interpret these results quickly and accurately, ensuring treatment begins as soon as possible.

Keeping Your Pet Safe From Parasites

Parasites may be common, but they are never harmless. They cause discomfort, disease, and sometimes permanent organ damage. Prevention is the best way to protect your pet and your family.

At Town & Country Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive wellness care, tailored nutritional counseling, and even grooming services to help reduce parasite risks. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten with our wellness plans or keeping an older pet healthy, our AAHA-accredited team provides the tools and guidance you need.

If you ever suspect a parasite problem, don’t wait. Call us right away for emergency care during business hours or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Parasites may be persistent, but with the right plan, your pet doesn’t have to suffer.