Parasite Prevention
There are a number of internal parasites which have been identified as common problems throughout the pet population. These parasites can be very dangerous to your pet’s health, especially in young animals and compromised individuals. At the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we strongly urge that you provide your animal with testing and preventative care for these parasites.
Internal parasites have been known to cause stunted growth, anemia, digestive upsets, and inflammation. Internal parasites such as roundworms can be transmitted through eggs passed on in the feces, therefore it is essential that we keep our pets as healthy as possible so that our homes and neighbourhoods as happy and healthy as our pets.
Prevention Season Timeline:
Flea and Tick Season – April (when the weather is above zero degrees) —> November
Heartworm Season – June —>November
At the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we offer a wide array of tests and screening to ensure your pet is parasite free, including:
- Heartworm testing
- Fecal flotation
- Testing for tick-borne diseases
- Skin scrapings
- Ear swabs
- And more…
What are parasites and why do we need to prevent against them?
Heartworm:
Heartworm Transmission
Mosquitoes are key in spreading heartworm disease, particularly during mosquito season and near waterways.
When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, it picks up an immature heartworm stage called microfilaria. This stage matures within the mosquito before being transmitted to a dog through a bite. Within six to seven months, the microfilaria develops into adult heartworms in the dog.
Adult heartworms can live for five to seven years in dogs, and pets can be re-infected, leading to a dangerous buildup of heartworms if not treated.
External Parasites:
External parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites frequently affect pets. When these parasites are present, it’s referred to as an “infestation.”
In addition to causing significant discomfort, infestations can lead to severe skin issues or other health problems. Luckily, advancements in veterinary medicine have simplified the treatment, management, and prevention of many external parasites.
Fleas
Fleas, though only the size of a sesame seed, can create major problems for pets. They thrive in warm, humid environments and may be a year-round concern or seasonal, depending on where you live. Outdoors, they often hide in cool, shady spots where pets rest, while indoors, they can be found in bedding or carpets. The most common flea affecting both cats and dogs is the “cat flea.”
Adult fleas feed on blood and reproduce quickly, with a single female capable of laying up to 50 eggs daily. These eggs drop off into the environment and hatch into larvae that hide in carpets, furniture, or soil. After spinning cocoons, the larvae can remain dormant for weeks before emerging as adults to continue the cycle.
Ticks
Ticks are usually found in wooded or grassy areas, as well as brush and wild undergrowth. Anyone entering these environments, including pets, is at risk of tick bites, with risk levels varying by season and location.
Like fleas, ticks also feed on blood. Immature ticks often target small animals like rodents and birds, while adults seek larger hosts such as dogs and cats. There are various tick species that can affect pets, and their distribution is constantly changing.
Tips for Managing External Parasites
Internal Parasites:
Internal parasites, including worms and single-celled organisms, are common in cats and dogs. The most prevalent types are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and single-celled parasites like coccidia and Giardia.
Some of these parasites can also infect humans. Implementing a parasite control program and taking precautions can help protect both pets and people.
Detecting Internal Parasites
At Smith Lane Animal Hospital, we stress the importance of routine fecal testing for pets. Intestinal parasites can often go unnoticed, as pets may appear healthy and can be infected with multiple types at once. Regular testing is essential.
If you notice signs such as “grains of rice” in feces, diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, excessive coughing, or scooting, contact your veterinarian right away.
To check for intestinal parasites, your vet may request a fresh stool sample or collect one directly. Samples are examined for worm eggs and single-celled parasites, and additional tests may be recommended for specific infections like Giardia. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, reach out to us!
Treatment and Prevention of Intestinal Parasites
If your pet’s stool sample reveals worm eggs or tapeworm segments, it indicates an infection with adult worms. Your veterinarian will recommend a deworming program to eliminate these parasites.
However, standard dewormers do not affect single-celled parasites like coccidia and Giardia. If these are present and causing illness, your vet will prescribe specific medications for treatment.
Regardless of whether parasites are detected, your veterinarian will suggest a regular parasite control program to safeguard your pet year-round. Many monthly heartworm prevention products also protect against intestinal worms and external parasites like fleas, which can carry tapeworms. This is crucial for protecting both pets and vulnerable household members, such as children and the elderly. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best parasite control options for your pet’s unique needs.
If you have any questions about which parasites may be a risk to your pet and what you can do to reduce them, please contact us at the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, and one of our staff members will be happy to answer them!
References:
- “External Parasites.” American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/external-parasites.
- “Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Dogs.” American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/intestinal-parasites-cats-and-dogs.
