Beware of Parasitic Worms

Despite the name, Ringworms are not actually worms, but fungi.
These fungi can cause a circular, red, scaly shape to appear on your
pet's skin. There are 35 different species of Ringworms that can
affect dogs and cats. The fungus that causes
Ringworms is most prevalent during Fall
and Winter. Humans can also get
Ringoworms; the most likely cause is
through an infected pet.

Ringworm fungi spores are passed into a scratch or scrape on an opening in the skin of another animal.
The usual source is a carrier pet that shows no signs of the disease. Not all pets in a household that are exposed to ringworm develop the disease. Some of these animals go on to become silent carriers that spread the disease to others. Another common method of transmission is contaminated grooming supplies and electric hair clippers. Almost all dogs and cats that become infected with ringworms eventually cure themselves even if left untreated.

• Patches of hair loss
• Red Circular scaly areas with raised edges

It is important to clean the environment with a strong chemical like
bleach that will kill the fungus. This can be achieved using an
antifungal shampoo or topical treatment on your pet to halt
the infection. Humans are vulnerable hosts to ringworms too,
so it's important to create a safe environment for
both you and your pet.

Roundworms are worms that live in the intestines and deprive their
hosts of nutrients. On average they are about 3-5 inches long.
Roundworms, or ascarids, pass moderate numbers of microscopic
eggs which are found in the pet's stool. They do not attach to the
wall of the intestine, as do some worms, but instead swim within
the intestine. If left untreated, roundworms will continue to grow and multiply and may block the intestinal tract completely- posing a serious risk for puppies, kittens, adult dogs and adult cats. They can be an important cause of illness, and even death, in kittens.

Puppies/Kittens born to mothers that have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to their litter before birth. In fact, more than 90% of puppies are born with roundworms or acquire them shortly after birth from their mother. Both litter and adult puppies are born with roundworms or acquire them shortly after birth from their mother. Both litter and adult mothers may become infected by swallowing roundworm eggs which contain infective larvae.

The larvae hatch out in the animal's stomach and small intestine and migrate through the muscle, liver and lungs. After several weeks, the larvae make their way back to the intestine to mature. When these worms begin to reproduce, new eggs will pass in the pet's stool, and the life cycle of the parasite is completed. Roundworm eggs passed in one pet's stool may be infectious to other animals. A large number of other animal species have been found to harbor roundworms and represent potential sources of infection for pets. These include: cockroaches, earthworms, chicken, and rodents.

It is important to clean the environment with a strong chemical like bleach that will kill the fungus. This can be
achieved using an antifungal shampoo or topical treatment on your pet to halt the infection. Dewormers help remove parasites from your pet, as well. Dewormer treatments for your dogs and cats at least once every six months is recommended. We carry a great variety of effective deworming medications at low prices.
Humans are vulnerable hosts to ringworms, too, so it's important to
create a safe environment for both you and your pet.

Roundworms can be a health risk for humans. The most common source of human infection is by ingesting eggs that have come from soil contaminated with cat (or dog) feces. As many as 10,000 cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in one year in the United States. Children, in particular, are at risk for health problems should they become infected. A variety of organs may be affected
as the larvae migrate through the body. In suitable environments, the eggs
may remain infectious to humans and pets for years.

Tapeworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites seen in cats and dogs. There are several types of Tapeworms, but they all consist of a head and a long flat body made up of segments. Bodies of Tapeworms can be several feet in length if not more. Segments are passed in the animal's feces, leaving the head still attached to
the animal's intestinal lining where it can produce
new segments. If left untreated, it may become
so long that it obstructs the intestines.

The only way for your pet to contract Tapeworms is by ingesting fleas.
Tapeworm segment breaks, it releases its eggs. Larvae fleas will consume
Tapeworm eggs and the Tapeworm larvae will begin to grow inside the flea.
When a pet licks itself it can ingest the inflected flea and the larva Tapeworm will then
attach itself to its new host's intestines.

• Anal irritation
• 1/4" White worms in stool
• Vomiting, Loss of appetite
• Dried segments in pet bedding (similar to cucumber seeds)
• Diarrhea (rare)

Treatment for the most common form of tapeworms in pets can be treated by a single injection or oral dosage. If you have an adult cat or kitten over 6 weeks of age, Tapeworm Tabs is the dewormer for you. It is safe and effective and can be easily mixed with food. Frontline Topspot is a flea and tick control that offers protection for at least one month. They come in 3, 6, and 12 packs. For both your cat and dogs, Frontline Plus provides your
pet with the most complete spot-on flea and tick protection available. In addition to killing 98-100% of adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours, Frontline Plus also contains a special ingredient that kills flea eggs and larvae too. It keeps all stages of fleas from developing, preventing the chance for a Tapeworm infection.