Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Heartworms - there are many internal parasites (worms) that invade our pets.
A rice-looking grain in your pet’s excrement is likely a piece of tapeworm. When freshly excreted they move and appear flat. Tapeworms are introduced into the animal when they eat a flea carrying the egg(s) of the worm. The worm attaches to the intestine and grows long, in segments that break off and exit in the animals feces.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_tapeworm.html
Medications for tapeworms are best from your vet since the commercial products may not address the particular worm, could aggravate other conditions and/or cause any of a number of other bad reactions.
Roundworms and Hookworms are most typical in young animals and they’re often the cause of big, round belly. These worms are picked up from the ground and while adult animals don’t usually have them, pregnant mothers can pass the eggs on to her unborn litter (explaining why so many babies are born with worms). Worming the mother has no effect - the individual animals must be treated.
Just in case you need some help, the list below should get you started. If you don’t need this list, keep it in mind for your friends or anyone who might. I want to thank a very caring expert (Terri) for sharing
American Animal Hospital Association http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/ For veterinary care for sick or injured pets if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship
Angels 4 Animals http://www.angels4animals.org/ Services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need.
Care Credit http://www.carecredit.com/ A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
God's Creatures Ministry http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html They help pay veterinarian bills for those who need help
Help-A-Pet http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html For the elderly, the disabled, the working poor.
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/ For seniors, people with disabilities, people who have lost their job, people who rescue a cat or kitten.
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/breedingregistration (application page)
Also, don’t forget to call your local Humane Society to find out what they might have in place, including clinics or discounts at certain vets.
Call your local Pet Smart and Pet Co to find out the names of rescue groups often working through them – they will have names of vets or other options you may be able to use.
For spay and neuter help:
http://www.help-a-pet.org/
http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html
http://www.spayusa.org/
Don’t forget to call your local Humane Society for guidance as well. If you have a Pet Smart in town, they often have the numbers for rescue organizations that may also help, at least with recommendations for where (or who ) to go.
Own Animal Care org.
Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;