Parasites by Frank Utchen, DVM

True or false: Although parasite infestation is a common health problem in developing countries, it’s not a problem that exists in this country.

Answer: False. And the real worrisome news is that the source for many parasite infestations in humans is our “best friends”; our dogs.

Studies show that more than 1/3 of the nation's dogs are infected with intestinal parasites. These can be microscopic single-celled organisms, or larger worms that are several inches long. For complicated biological reasons, most puppies are actually born with a type of intestinal worm called Ascarids, otherwise commonly referred to as “roundworms”. And the Centers for Disease Control estimates between one and three million people are infected each year in the U.S. from their dogs.

Statistics for some areas of the country are shocking: as many as 4–20% of children in some areas of the U.S. contract roundworms from their pets each year. In some parts of the country, especially the Southeast, transmission of these intestinal parasites is so prevalent that many children test positive for exposure to intestinal parasites and become sick. Children are one of the groups that are most susceptible to these infections because they are frequently grabbing and touching things, and then sticking their hands in their mouths without regard to whether they are clean. In our area of California, these problems are less common, but not absent. The diseases with the greatest chance of transmission to people are various intestinal parasites.

The good news is that these infections are entirely preventable. Using a year round parasite preventative product to treat pets and reinforcing common sense hygiene in children helps families reduce the risk of exposure to these conditions. The most common parasite preventative medications are Sentinel, Heartgard, and Interceptor. These are all once-a-month medications (chewable tablets) that are given to dogs to prevent the major types of intestinal parasites as well as heartworms. Sentinel also helps prevent fleas. They generally come in boxes of 12 tablets to last a year, and these medications can be purchased at any veterinary hospital. One tablet, once a month.

Preventing Zoonoses

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after coming in contact with dirt.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian on a regular basis and keep up with all recommended vaccinations.
• If your dog bites you, wash the area right away with soap and water.
• Wash your hands after handling your pet—especially before eating or preparing food.
• People with weakened immune systems should take special precautions, including never letting pets lick them on the face or on an open cut or wound, never touching animal feces and never handling an animal that has diarrhea.
• Don't let your pet eat feces they discover outdoors (or in the litter box).
• Remove your pet's fecal matter from your lawn or surrounding outdoor environment daily. Feces can be bagged and put in the trash. Never flush it down a toilet.
• Cover your children's sandboxes when not in use.
• Use appropriate methods to reduce mosquito populations in your outdoor environment.

Dr. Utchen graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. In 1989 he and Dr. DeLano co-founded Norris Canyon Veterinary Medical Center in San Ramon, which in the year 2000 became Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center. His special interests are Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency/Critical Care, Dentistry, and Anesthesiology/Pain Management. He has one daughter in college and lives in San Ramon with his wife and other daughter, and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Tori and Gus.

Tags: parasites, preventive health, infection