Intestinal Worms & Giardia in Dogs & Cats

What is an intestinal worm or Giardia infection?

Many parasites can live in the gut of dogs and cats. The common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Giardia is different: it is a single-celled parasite, too small to see without a microscope.

Pets pick up these parasites by swallowing eggs or cysts from soil, grass, water or faeces, by eating raw meat or prey, or by swallowing fleas, which carry one type of tapeworm. Puppies can get roundworms from their mother before birth or through her milk, and kittens through her milk. Worms take nutrients and, in the case of hookworms, blood, so heavy infections can make young animals very ill.

Some of these worms, and some types of Giardia, can pass to people, especially children. Wear gloves when picking up stools or collecting samples, wash your hands well, and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Diarrhoea, sometimes with mucus or blood
• Soft, smelly stools that come and go
• Vomiting
• A pot belly and poor growth in young animals
• Weight loss or a dull coat
• Worms or rice-like pieces in the stool or around the bottom

Many pets carry worms or Giardia without any signs.

Which lab tests help

A Faecal Flotation Test (Worm Eggs & Oocysts) makes worm eggs and coccidia oocysts (the egg-like stage of another gut parasite) float up so they can be seen under the microscope. A Stool Routine gives a wider look at the stool.

Giardia needs its own tests. A Faecal Direct Smear (Protozoa) on very fresh stool can show moving Giardia. The Giardia Faecal Antigen (Rapid Test) detects a Giardia protein, and the Giardia RT-PCR detects its genetic material; both can find Giardia when none are seen on a smear.

Parasites are passed on and off, so one negative result does not always rule them out, and your vet may ask for samples from more than one day. Tapeworm eggs are often missed on flotation, so tell your vet if you have seen rice-like segments.

For pets with bloody diarrhoea or poor growth, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) can show anaemia, and your vet may add the Canine Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel for dogs or the Feline Diarrhoea RT-PCR Panel for cats; the exact list of germs is confirmed when you book.

A registered veterinarian reads the results together with your pet's signs, age and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet has diarrhoea that lasts or keeps coming back, loses weight or passes worms. A puppy or kitten with bloody diarrhoea, pale gums, repeated vomiting or weakness needs a vet the same day. Ask your vet about regular worm control for your pets.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 before sending. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.