Naturally curious, many animals sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware that they may be exposing themselves to parasites and potentially dangerous conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats tested positive for heartworm infection.
External parasites – including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals – and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can harm to the health and well-being of your pet. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health problems ranging from mild skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted from people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important.
Although prevention is the best approach, sometimes treatment is necessary. Intervention is most effective when initiated immediately after detection of a parasite. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider this advice from the experts at VCA Veterinary Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations worldwide. North America who cared for over 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets.
Provide preventative medications. Depending on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should participate in year-round pest control programs that treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and even more. Antiparasitic medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.
Visit the vet every year. Annual visits allow your veterinarian to note changes in your pet’s health and modify their parasite control program if necessary. Your veterinarian can tell you which parasites to watch for based on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may affect people and pets. Remember that dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic tests are the equivalent of a visit to the doctor every 4 to 5 years.
Watch for warning signs of pests. Some animals infected with a parasite show no signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or blood in your pet’s stool. A cough or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet scratches, chews, or licks its fur or ears excessively, or shakes its head persistently. Seeing your veterinarian as soon as possible can treat your pet and help prevent the spread of the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are at particular risk for parasites, as most contract them from their mothers while breastfeeding, and their small size puts them at increased risk of serious illness.
Groom yourself regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of quickly catching fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities, be sure to groom your pet periodically or have it groomed by a professional. It is especially important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other animals.
Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites are spread through contact with fecal matter, it is essential to dispose of all waste in your yard or in your pet’s bedding within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of contamination by environmental parasites. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for several months, as pests can live in the soil for long periods of time.
Find more tips for parasite prevention and treatment at VCAhospitals.com.
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