This is the first of a two-part series.

There are many parasites found in the gastrointestinal system of both dogs and cats. These invaders can cause serious illness if left unchecked.

Here are the most familiar:

• Roundworms can be living in your pet’s intestines without your having any knowledge of them. They are common parasites of dogs and cats, especially in young animals. Puppies and kittens are frequently infected with roundworms that passed through the placenta during pregnancy. Some roundworms are zoonotic, meaning that they will infect humans from the canine or feline host. Adult roundworms reside in the small intestine and may be associated with diarrhea, vomiting, a........

© Finger Lakes Times