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internal parasites in dogs and cats
Worms are little, but they can be a big health risk for your pet.
Heartworm, tapeworm, hookworm, whipworms, roundworm — learn about these nasty little internal parasites in dogs and cats.
Common types of internal parasites
- Heartworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
- Roundworms
Signs of heartworms in pets
- Reluctance to exercise
- Decreased appetite
- Swollen belly
- Fatigue and couching
- Sudden labored breathing
Signs of intestinal worms in pets
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Mucus or blood in stool
- Dull, dry coat
Help prevent worms in dogs and cats
- Regular heartworm preventive that includes protection against intestinal worms.
- Administer medications and treatments as directed by your vet.
- Remove feces promptly to avoid spreading the disease.
- Consult your veterinary team.
Unwonderful worms
Heartworms = bad news
Heartworms are actual worms in your pet's heart. They’re transmitted by mosquito bites, affect pets in every state across the United States, and even a small infestation can cause long-term damage.
Signs and symptoms of heartworm disease
Early signs — schedule a veterinary checkup
- Reluctance to exercise
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Emergency — seek veterinary help immediately
- Fatigue and coughing
- Swollen belly
- Sudden labored breathing
- Pale gums from anemia and blood loss
- Fainting
Find out more about heartworms in dogs and cats
Worms, worms, and more worms
Unfortunately, the worms don’t stop at heartworms. Tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, roundworms — these nasty parasites all steal nutrients your BFF needs. Hookworms latch onto the small intestine and feed. Squirmy tapeworm bits and eggs sometimes appear under tails. Whipworms can cause no symptoms — and then quickly make pets really sick. Roundworms are common parasites in cats and dogs.
While each of these worms present their own range of symptoms, common ones include diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite. Young and/or compromised pets can also experience blood loss, anemia, and even death, so it’s important to talk to your veterinary team as soon as possible.
Safe and effective deworming treatments and prevention can help your pet stay tenant-free. Get the dirt on all worms
Parasite control goes beyond fleas and ticks
Parasite protection doesn’t just include fleas and ticks. Help keep your kittyBAE and doggyBFF happy and healthy with protection against internal worms. Contact your local Banfield to find the best option for your pet.
If your pet already has a worm problem, it’s important to follow your vet's instructions and administer all medications they've provided. Also, clean up your pet’s poop immediately to avoid spreading disease to others.
An Optimum Wellness Plan is a smart way to prevent pests
Our Optimum Wellness Plans® are affordable yearlong packages of essential preventive care. They're designed for different needs, ages, and lifestyles, and include options to easily add parasite control for fleas, ticks, and more.
Talk to your Banfield vet to find out which package is best for your pet.
Mentioned in this article
Does your dog or cat have worms?
All adult pets are at risk for worms.
Hookworm infection in pets
Hookworm can be life-threatening.
Worried about your pet? Ping Pet Chat™!
Whether it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., connect with a real veterinary professional for immediate petcare advice. It's included in all Optimum Wellness Plans®!
Log in to start chatting
Save at the Banfield Shop
Our mission is to provide high-quality prescription meds for the pet you love. We believe in safe, effective petcare, so we thoroughly assess every item we carry. We offer discounts on eligible products with your pet’s Optimum Wellness Plan. And you can easily schedule deliveries with our super convenient AutoShip program.
Banfield can help prevent and treat parasites in pets
Regular wellness exams that include a full physical and fecal exam can help keep your furball happy and healthy. Kittens and puppies should start regular appointments when they’re about 6 weeks old, and then come in twice a year once they’re 5 months old. At your visits, we’ll check your little love from nose to tail, discuss age, needs, and lifestyle, and recommend trusted prevention medication to help fight off nasty critters that might feed on your pet.
Even if your pet is on a regular preventive for fleas, ticks, worms, mange, and other bugs, please make an appointment as soon as possible if you spot potential symptoms. Sooner is always better in helping to prevent a big infestation for your furry friend.
