Fairmount Animal Hospital, serving Syracuse, NY and all of Onondaga County 3705 W. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13219
Phone: 315-468-3446
Email: Write to fanimalh@twcny.rr.com
or click here to open message window.

Regular Office Hours:
8:15 am - 5:45 Mon.- Fri.,
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon.

House Calls and Emergencies
are scheduled as needed.

 

Zoonosis

  Zoonosis is the transmission of disease from animals to humans. Humans can be accidentally infected with ascarids (large roundworms), hookworms, and tapeworms, which are common parasites of dogs and cats. The problems caused by these infections can range from intestinal upset to death.  All humans are susceptible to parasite transmission from animals. Certain individuals such as children, the elderly, those receiving chemotherapy, or immunocompromised individuals may be at increased risk. It is estimated that 10,000 children in the United States are infected annually with roundworms and that approximately 750 will suffer permanent visual impairment or even blindness. The main risk of infection comes from an environment that has been contaminated with parasite eggs. Strategic Deworming programs help to reduce this risk.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) recommend pet owners see their veterinarian to put all pets on a regular deworming schedule to prevent the development of parasites. You may not be able to tell if your pet has worms.  Worm eggs that contaminate the environment can be shed by animals that do not appear to be sick or run-down. So seeing your veterinarian is important, especially if you have puppies or kittens since almost all are born with parasites or acquire them shortly after birth from nursing.

 

9 Easy Steps to Prevent Parasite Infection

You can easily protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following these simple preventive measures.

    
  1. Deworm your pet on a regular schedule recommended by your veterinarian. This removes internal parasites and prevents further contamination of the environment.
  2. Practice good hygiene. Wash hands regularly, especially after handling pets or cleaning up pet waste.
  3. Remove pet waste from your yard at least 2-3 times a week. Daily is best.
  4. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
  5. Keep pets flea-free. Ingestion of fleas can transmit tapeworms to animals and people.
  6. Do not allow children to go barefoot, sit or lie on playgrounds or in parks where they are exposed to animal stools. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin.
  7. Clean cat litter boxes often, daily is best, and wash hands afterward.
  8. Do not drink water from streams or other sources that may be contaminated with animal feces.
  9. Keep pets clean; bathe pet after deworming.

Strategic Deworming Guidelines for Dogs

    Puppies                - Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age

                                - Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age

                                - Four times a year after 6 months of age

 

    Adults                  - Treat regularly considering potential exposure to parasites ( 4 times/year)

                                - A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is

                                   recommended

 

    Bitches                 - Once a year prior to mating

                                - Once at parturition

                                - Once at 2 weeks, then 4 weeks after birth

 

    Newly Acquired Puppies or Dogs

                                

                                - Immediately, then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above

 Strategic Deworming Guidelines for Cats

    Kittens                 - Every 2 weeks until 3 months, then once/month until 6 months  of age

                                - Re-treat at recommended intervals depending on the patent period of the

                                  parasites

 

    Adults                  - Treat regularly considering potential exposure to parasites and prepatent

                                   periods ( 4 times/year )

                                - A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is

                                   recommended

 

    Queens                 - Lactating queens should be treated concurrently with kittens

 

    Newly Acquired Cats                             

                                - Immediately, then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above

        

 

             

            Hookworm                                       Roundworm                                     Whipworm

 

 

 

    For more information

  

     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

     American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists

     Pets and Parasites