Parasite prevention is one of the most important (and often neglected) aspects of pet ownership. Although many parasites tend to be more active during warmer months, they still present a problem regardless of the season.
Preventing parasites is much more affordable than trying to treat an infected pet or infestation in your home. Keep reading to learn more about common pet parasites, how to spot them, and how we can help you treat them.
Pet Parasites 101
External Parasites
External parasites are those that live on the outside of our pets. These little buggers can also be found in our pets’ bedding, as well as household rugs and furniture.
Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice are among the most common external parasites we encounter when caring for our furry friends. All of these can cause severe discomfort, skin issues, and may lead to more life-threatening diseases, such as tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.
Look for excessive scratching and changes to your fur baby’s skin and coat when grooming. External parasites are incredibly easy to treat, control, and prevent with advances in veterinary medicine—especially those pesky fleas and ticks!
Ask the trusted Bayside team about year-long flea and tick prevention for adult dogs.
Internal Parasites
Fleas and ticks are usually easy to notice, but when it comes to internal parasites, which occur in the intestines, it may take a bit more attention to realize they’re affecting our pets. Most intestinal parasites (worms) and Giardia aren’t immediately noticeable in feces, and your fur baby may act completely fine while living with them. What’s even scarier is that these organisms can spread to our children and human family members!
Along with a routine deworming schedule and preventative medicine, we can protect our four-legged friends by keeping them away from possible contamination sources—stagnant water and other animal feces—and the rest of our family, too!
At Bayside Animal Hospital recommend annual wellness exams to help catch and treat potential health hazards, like parasites, early! If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s wellness, we’re here to help—your family is our family.
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