HOW PARASITES HARM OUR PETS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT THEM

PARASITES AND YOUR PET'S HEALTH

Parasites damage pet organs, cause severe pain, and in extreme cases even lead to death. Our furry friends are such a huge part of our lives and are faithful companions! There are important actions pet owners can take to protect them from parasites and ensure they stay healthy while living the high-quality life they deserve.

WHY MUST I STAY UP WITH PARASITE PREVENTION?

 One of the most important steps we can take is to make sure they are up to date with their parasite prevention. While buying parasite prevention medication is an expense, we believe that weighed against treatment, or the permanent and sometimes fatal damage caused to pets, parasite preventative medication is the least expensive and best way to safeguard your precious pet's health. Treating heartworm disease, for example, is more costly than buying heartworm preventative medication. Treatment entails injections and oftentimes hospitalization is required. Recovery can take up to a couple of months. The American Animal Hospital Association places the average cost of preventative care for dogs at $5-15 per month, and the cost of treating a dog with heartworm at $400-1,000! But the worst cost of all is the loss of a beloved pet. 

​Even if you give your pet monthly parasite prevention medication, we recommend that testing be done annually to ensure no intestinal parasites go undetected. This ensures that your pets are parasite free for their health and well-being, as well as that of their families.​ Don't miss a dose! ​

WHY IS PARASITE PREVENTION VITAL TO OUR PETS?

The damage caused by parasites can vary widely. For some, these beastly freeloaders cause a slight discomfort while others will wreck havoc on our poor pets. Diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, lethargy, and heart disease are just a few of the symptoms of untreated parasites. In extreme cases, parasites can even lead to loss of life.

Some parasites cause zoonotic infections (parasites can be transferred from pets to people) which is another important reason to keep your animal friends protected from parasites such as hookworms and roundworms. 

Just because your cat or dog stays indoors, doesn't mean they are safe from parasites. Fleas, flies, mosquitoes and even a potted plant (soil) can create pathways for parasite invasions. So, our indoor pets must also be protected.  

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WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY PET PARASITE FREE?

1. Have the veterinarian deworm puppies and kittens because they can be born with worms (through their mother). They should be dewormed every TWO weeks (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12). After this period, deworming every three months will sufficiently protect them.

2. Keep your lawn free from animal feces as they are perpetual playgrounds for parasites, sure to contaminate all who dare come in contact with the.

• ​​It is best to remove feces daily, but once a week is an absolute MUST.
• Keep all sandboxes covered when not in use.

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3. Give your pet a monthly parasite prevention medication. These medications protect your pet from a wide variety of Not sure which brand of medication to buy? Partner with your  veterinarian to ensure that you are giving your dog or cat the appropriate parasite preventative that factors in the size and weight of your pet. 

4. Talk to your pet about the right flea & tick medication for your pet. Fleas can carry tapeworms and cause severe skin allergies. When your pet bites their skin to relieve an itch and ingests a infected flea, it also ingests these harmful parasites that can ravage their health. Talk to us about options for flea preventative medication!

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PARASITE INFESTATION?

If you see your pet displaying any of the behaviors below, call your vet to get them tested. It is highly likely that they are infected with parasites.
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     1. Diarrhea
     2. Scooting
     3. Vomiting
     4. Distended belly
     5. Weight loss
     6. Dull coat
​     7. Blood in their stool (bright red or dark purple)

WHAT ARE HEARTWORMS?

Heartworms are a vicious parasite that spread through the bite of a mosquito causing severe health repercussions. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, ravage other organs, or can even be fatal. A mild yet persistent cough, fatigue and weight loss are signs that your pet has heartworms. Currently, there is no cure for cats, but there is a treatment for dogs. However, it is expensive and physically hard on your dog. Prevention is key to great health and is cheaper, too!

The best way protect your pet is by having your veterinarian prescribe heartworm prevention. Keeping your pet on a consistent regimen of heartworm medication will safely protect them from these harmful pests.

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WHAT ARE ROUNDWORMS?

Roundworm eggs can be spread by rodents, cockroaches, birds and earthworms. The feces of infected dogs will also house a ton of eggs, so when your pet sniffs and licks poop, these insidious eggs can become lodged inside them. If a mother is infected when pregnant, she will then pass the infestation on to her babies.

Some symptoms of roundworms in pets are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite which leads to malnourishment. 

Roundworms can be harmful to people as well. The eggs travel through the liver, lungs and other organs. In some cases they can cause tissue and nerve damage and can even enter the eyes. In severe cases, this leads to permanent nerve damage and even blindness.

WHAT ARE HOOKWORMS?

Hookworms house themselves in the intestine. These parasites cause your pet to become anemic and weak. They can also damage pets' lungs which may then lead to pneumonia. Hookworms are especially harmful for young puppies, stunting their growth and if bad enough, they can even be fatal. Contact your veterinarian to get the necessary treatment that will get rid of hookworms. 

This is another parasite that can be passed to humans (zoonotic). Often, rashes and itchiness are the first signs of hookworm infestation. If it is left untreated, people can experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and anemia. Your doctor can prescribe medication to rid your system of these foul hookworms.

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Tracy Animal Hospital provides excellent veterinary care and is only a phone call away. Dr. Tracy will discuss all of the parasite preventative options available, creating the perfect health care plan for you and your pet.

Call us today at 281-970-0601, or click below to make an appointment.

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