Parasites can affect your pet in a variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to causing life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Some parasites can even infect and transmit diseases to you and your family.
Can parasites affect animals?
Internal parasites often interfere with digestion and assimilation of food, causing poor growth, temporary or permanent injuries, or death. Both external and internal parasites may weaken an animal's immune system and create conditions favorable to bacterial disease. In severe cases, these diseases can also be deadly.
Are parasites contagious to other animals?
4: Are parasites contagious among pets? Intestinal parasites are contagious to other animals and humans. Because they primarily inhabit the GI tract, larvae, or eggs, are passed in the feces.
Do parasites feed on animals?
Many parasitic animals, such as fleas, ticks and lice, feed on the blood of larger animals. By attaching themselves to their host, they get a ready meal wherever it goes. Some birds are crawling with this kind of parasite.
What parasites can infect humans and animals?
Can roundworms and hookworms infect people? Yes. These worms, like other infections that humans can get from animals, are called zoonotic (zoe-o-NOT-ick) infections or zoonoses (zoe-o-NO-sees). By learning about these infections and how to prevent them, you can help protect your pets, yourself, and your family.
