People are not the only ones who can pick up an infection while out and about. Our beloved furry companions can become hosts to a variety of parasites, and we may be unaware of their condition until it becomes critical. Preventative care is of the utmost importance. The Squamish Chief’s article “Pets, Parasites and You: Important Things to Know” outlines the value of educating the public about the dangers of parasites and the importance of preventative care.
Learning Parasite Basics
There are many ways to define parasites based on a number of different characteristics. For the sake of this discussion, parasites will be defined by their location. Either living inside a host (i.e. roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms), or living on the outside (i.e. fleas, ticks).
Many parasites are asymptomatic. This means that, without proper and periodic inspection, a parasitic infection may go undetected.
Defense Against Parasites
Most parasites are host-specific; however, there are some parasites that can potentialy be transmitted to and from a wide variety of hosts. Children are especialy vulnerable to parasitic infections.
There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken. Washing your hands and keeping your environment clean can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The best defense against parasites is a comprehensive preventative care plan. Alpenlofts Veterinary Hospital offers parasite prevention plans to the public based on the risks and conditions of the pets in the local community.
Why Year-Round Prevention is Important
Parasites can harm your pet all year long. Many flea species can thrive in your house. Some species of intestinal parasites can affect your pet all year. Heartworm is also a significant threat since it is carried by a parasite and can lead to serious heart disease.
Heartworm and flea prevention is recommended by your veterinarian. Preventive measures should always be decided upon and implemented by your veterinarian based on your pet’s health status and age.
Prevention Strategies
There are many strategies you can use to prevent parasitic infections of your pet:
● Use preventive measures for parasitic infections.
● Clean up your pet’s waste.
● Wash your hands after coming in contact with pet waste or other pets.
● Keep your house and bedding free from pet hair.
● Do not give your pet raw meat.
● See your veterinarian regularly.
● Talk to your veterinarian to find out which parasite preventive products you can use on your pet.
● Protecting your pet from parasitic infections requires ongoing commitment and prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does your Pet have Hidden Parasites?
Many parasites are asymptomatic and can be difficult to detect.
2. Can my Pet’s Parasites threaten my Family?
It is possible to transmit parasites from your pet to your family members. Practice good hygiene to prevent this. See your veterinarian for more information.
3. Do I need to use parasite prevention year-round?
There are parasites that are active throughout the year. Your veterinarian can develop a prevention plan that is specific to your pet and the parasite risks in your area.
4. What is Pet care?
Preventive services such as wellness exams and vaccinations as well as diagnostics, surgery
5. What should I do if my pet has parasites?
You should contact your veterinarian for guidance. They will decide if it is necessary to do testing to confirm parasites before providing treatment. It is important to protect your pet from parasites year-round. There are many preventive care measures that can affect the health of your pet and your family for many years. Speak with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you may have.
The team at Alpenlofts Veterinary Hospital wants to help you provide the best and most up to date care for your pet.
