My cat has Roundworm. How do I protect my children?

Your cat is not the only family member who is susceptible to roundworm. You also need to keep an eye on your kids.

If your cat has been infected with roundworm within the past seven years, the eggs can still survive in the soil. This means that if Tommy and Tim play in areas where fluffy deposits her feces, they may accidentally ingest the roundworm eggs and be at risk for toxocariasis (tox-oh-cah-rye-uh-sis) – a disease which causes inflammation of the internal organs and central nervous system.

So when you encourage your children to ditch the couch for some active playtime in the yard, do so with caution. Make sure they avoid potentially soiled areas, and encourage them to wash their hands as soon as they come inside.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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