Dog parks harboring gastrointestinal parasites
Dog parks have been increasing in popularity, which means there is also an increased risk of exposure to intestinal parasites. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections in dogs visiting off-leash dog parks
Fresh defecations were collected from parks in thirty metropolitan areas across the USA, analzyed with coproantigen immunoassay (CAI) and a zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation (CF). Owners were also asked to provide signalment and status of heartworm and intestinal parasite preventatives.
Samples were examined from a total of 3006 dogs, 87.9% aged at least 12 months, visiting 288 parks. A sample positive for one or more intestinal parasites was found in 245 (85.1%) of parks, with nematodes found in 143 (49.7%).
Hookworms and whipworms were detected in all age groups, but ascarids were only detected in dogs less than 4 years-old. Approximately 42% of dogs aged less than 1 year were positive for nematodes or Giardia.
Intestinal parasites, the most common of which were Giardia, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis, were found in 20% of dogs and 85% of dog parks across the USA.
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