Parasite Prevention

Pets are cherished members of our families, and preventing parasite infestations is crucial to their well-being. Both external and internal parasites can affect your pet at some point.

 

External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, are not only annoying but can also transmit diseases to both humans and animals, including Bartonella, and vector-borne diseases like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fleas can also trigger severe skin reactions in pets, leading to flea allergy dermatitis, which causes intensely itchy and inflamed skin.

 

Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in pets, but hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are also prevalent. Pets usually contract these parasites by accidentally ingesting microscopic parasite eggs from contaminated areas. Additionally, some parasites are transmitted through intermediate hosts, such as rodents or fleas. These parasites pose a health risk to humans as well, being zoonotic, meaning they can be transferred from animals to humans.

 

Heartworm is another significant internal parasite, though it cannot be transferred to humans. Pets become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito. If left untreated, the infection can lead to progressive heart failure and death. Early stages of heartworm disease may show no symptoms, but as it advances, affected pets might exhibit coughing and exercise intolerance in dogs, and vomiting or coughing in cats.

 

Due to the health risks parasites pose to both your family and pets, it’s crucial to maintain a year-round parasite prevention program for your pet. There are several preventive measures available that, when used correctly, significantly reduce the chances of your pet contracting heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and tick-borne illnesses.

 

Trust the team at McCormick Animal Clinic to create a comprehensive and personalized plan for parasite protection.