Intestinal Parasites of Dogs and Cats Causing Disease in Humans

An increasing number of human cases of roundworm infection causing blindness and neurologic disease have been reported, especially in children and immune-compromised individuals. Sandboxes in parks, dog parks, and even your own backyard are potential sources of infection. Children playing in infected soils, who then put their hands in their mouths, are at risk of exposure. To prevent parasites in our pets and therefore decrease exposure to children, the center for disease control recommends the following:

1. Have a fecal test done on new dogs (or puppies) and cats (or kittens) joining your household.

2. Puppies and kittens should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, and then monthly until they are 6 months old.

3. Have a stool sample checked at 6 months of age and then yearly on all dogs and outdoor cats.

4. Even adult dogs should be tested and/or dewormed yearly

5. Contact our office or check out the CDC link below for more information

www.cdc.gov/healthypets

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is potentially fatal to dogs (and people). In the past, problems with vaccine reactions and the infrequency of diagnosis led many veterinarians to discontinue the vaccine.

Recently, the west side of the state has been seeing more cases. Since we know that wildlife and cattle spread the disease through their urine, contaminating water sources, we have concluded that our rural and lake dogs are at highest risk. Today there is a new vaccine and there is no evidence that it is likely to cause more adverse reactions than any other routine canine vaccine. It is not effective against all six of the lepto strains that cause disease, but it is good protection against four of them. As you know, we have been recommending fewer and less frequent vaccines overall, however lepto is a new concern.

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE WSVMA: Dogs at risk for lepto should be vaccinated with an initial series of 2 vaccinations 3 weeks apart and boostered yearly.

It is also Flea and Tick season in the Spokane area, so preventative measures should be taken now. Check out our Flea and Tick page.