Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are a health risk for your pet
Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites pose significant health risks to pets.
Fleas
Here’s a breakdown of the dangers they present:
Itching and Allergies
Fleas can cause intense itching which can lead to allergic reactions in some pets
Secondary Infections
Constant scratching can result in open sores and secondary bacterial infections which may require antibiotics.
Anemia
Severe flea infestations, especially in young or small pets, can lead to anemia due to blood loss.
Tapeworms
Fleas can transmit tapeworms if ingested by pets when grooming.
Ticks
Here’s a breakdown of the dangers they present:
Lyme Disease
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which causes lameness, joint pain, fever, lethargy and can lead to kidney disease.
Ehrlichiosis
This tick-borne disease can lead to lethargy, weight loss, and anemia. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney disease later on in life.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
A potentially fatal disease that has the potential to cause tick paralysis, affecting both pets and humans.
Anaplasmosis
Ticks can transmit through bites. Common symptoms dogs may exhibit are fever, joint pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Heartworms
Here’s a breakdown of the dangers they present:
Transmission
Heartworms are a blood borne parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect both dogs and cats.
Organ Damage
Heartworms reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing severe damage and can potentially lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Intestinal Parasites
Here’s a breakdown of the dangers they present:
Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms and Roundworms
These parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues, bloating, weight loss, and anemia.
Coccidia and Giardia
Coccidia and Giardia are both protozoan parasites that can cause significant health issues in pets. Infected pets may experience severe, watery diarrhea, sometimes with blood, especially in puppies and kittens. Mature animals might show fewer symptoms but can still experience diarrhea ranging from mild to severe, nausea, and occasional vomiting.
Contamination and Transmission
Pets can become infected by ingesting contaminated soil, water or feces.
Zoonotic Risk
Some intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans, causing a health risk to pet owners. It is important to wash your hands after handling or cleaning up behind your pet.
Prevention
- Year-Round Protection: Continuous prevention is essential to protect your pet from parasites.
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular veterinary visits and annual diagnostics can help detect and treat parasitic infections early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parasites should I protect my pet from?
Protecting your pet from intestinal parasites is essential for a healthy pet. The most common parasites you may come across that are easily treated and prevented are fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites. You can prevent infestation by using a monthly preventative prescribed by your veterinarian.
How often should my pet get parasite prevention?
Most pets need monthly prevention to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms year-round—your vet will recommend the right schedule.
Are preventatives safe for young and senior pets?
Yes—modern parasite preventatives are safe and effective for pets of all ages when properly dosed and prescribed by your veterinarian.
Can indoor pets get parasites?
Absolutely—fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can enter your home on shoes, clothing, or through windows, so indoor pets still need protection.
Signs your pet may have a parasite.
Common signs include scratching, hair loss, scooting, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or visible worms in stool—if you notice any of these, give us a call.
