March is National Pet Parasite Awareness month. For this month, and throughout the year, it’s important to have your dog checked for parasites and to keep an eye out for any telling signs.
According to Veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector of VCA Animal Hospitals, it is important that pet owners understand the potentially severe health consequences for their pet (and possibly themselves) if parasite infestations are not detected early and treated appropriately.
Dr. Spector provided the following information for protecting your dog from parasites.
Some of the most common dog parasites are:
Fleas and Ticks – The most common external parasites are fleas and ticks. These parasites can transmit several illnesses to both you and your pet since they serve as hosts for tapeworms and several bacteria. These bacteria can cause debilitating and even life-threatening illnesses, like Lyme disease. Heavy infestations of fleas can also lead to anemia and death, particularly in young dogs.
Heartworms – Heartworms are potentially deadly internal parasites. Heartworm disease affects dogs, but rarely people, and is present in every U.S. state except Alaska. Unrecognized and untreated heartworm infection can ultimately lead to heart failure and death. Other problems such as lung inflammation, kidney dysfunction and skin irritation can also occur.
Intestinal parasites – Intestinal parasites such as giardia and worms (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms) are also very common and debilitating parasites of dogs. If giardia or worm infestations are left untreated, intestinal inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, severe weight loss, anemia and even death can occur. The growth of young animals can be particularly affected. Intestinal worms may affect your pet all year long and your pet may have no signs – for this reason it is important to routinely check stool samples for parasites. Many of the monthly heartworm preventatives will also effectively control intestinal worms.
Dogs can be infected by parasites year-round. Fleas and ticks are less prevalent outside during the colder months; however, they often survive inside during this time. Intestinal worms may affect your pet all year long, and your pet may have no signs.
In fact, 34 percent of U.S. dogs have intestinal parasites, and very few have diarrhea or other related signs. The adult worms are not usually shed in feces, making identification of the problem difficult. The worm eggs will be present, but they cannot be seen with a naked eye. Therefore, it is recommended that your veterinarian check your dog’s feces and deworm your dog routinely.
To protect your dog – and your family – from parasites, do the following:
Follow your veterinarian’s recommended deworming and parasite testing guidelines for your dog.
Use year-round flea, tick and deworming treatments and heartworm preventative on your dog to control common parasites.
Only feed your dog cooked or prepared foods (not raw meat).
Clean up your dog’s feces regularly. Consider wearing gloves as well as washing your hands thoroughly after handling fecal material.
Limit your dog’s access to “high parasite risk” areas such as sandboxes, dog parks or any other area highly trafficked by pets.
Always practice good personal hygiene when handling pets. This is especially important for children who often eat dirt, kiss pets and don’t always wash their hands after handling pets.
You should work with your veterinarian to determine the best way to prevent parasites in your dog. Your vet will consider your dog’s parasite risk factors and lifestyle, and recommend the best plan for you.
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Category : Blog &Fleas and Ticks
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