Pet Parasite Prevention

Parasites come in many different varieties. There are internal and external parasites that each affect an animal differently. A pet’s lifestyle and behavior can impact their likelihood of getting infected. Dogs, for instance, are often outside and, because of their friendly nature, they tend to spend time around other animals. Outdoor cats also spend a lot of time exploring and can ingest wild animals. These habits can lead to the following parasites:

Ticks

These external parasites cling to your pet when they’re exploring nature. They can cause irritation, skin issues, and even diseases. Lyme disease, a potentially fatal illness, is transmitted by deer ticks.

Fleas

Another external parasite, fleas feed on the blood of mammals. They can find their way onto your dog or cat while your pets explore the wilderness or just the neighborhood. They are known to cause frequent irritation and can even transfer to humans.

Mites

Mites generally stick to a single host. These parasites burrow into the skin and are so small that many species aren’t visible without looking into a microscope. Veterinarians have the equipment to detect mites.

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common type of internal parasitic worm. These parasites are transmitted when your pet ingests roundworm eggs, which can be found in infested raw meat or contaminated soil. While roundworms often aren’t accompanied by symptoms, they can lead to potbelly, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Hookworms

These internal parasites can be found in warm climates and enter through the skin to find their way to the intestines. They shed their eggs, which return to the world through your pet’s feces. These worms can also affect humans.

Heartworms

This parasite is transmitted through mosquitoes, which can be found in every country across the globe. They lead to heartworm disease, which may start as a simple cough but can lead to heart failure if untreated.

Whipworms

Whipworms are transmitted when an animal sniffs contaminated soil. They attach to the large intestine. Whipworms may show no symptoms, but extreme cases can cause bloody stools and even death if left untreated.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms cannot be transferred to your pet from another dog or cat. Instead, they will need an intermediate host like a flea or rodent. They may cause disruptions to the digestive system, intestinal blockage, or the growth of cysts in the lungs or brain. Some types can also infect humans.

Lungworms

These small worms set up in the blood vessels of an animal’s lungs. Young dogs are at increased risk of infestation. These parasites can cause coughing, tiredness, blood clots, and even death.