Parasite Control for Pets

The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes the importance of parasite control for all pets. Research shows that your pets are attractive to internal and external parasites. Although most of them target your pets, others jump from pets to humans. These parasites are zoonotic. Protecting your furry companions from parasites is equivalent to keeping your household safe. If you want to find out more about effective parasite control for pets, here’s what you should know.

 

Internal Parasites

Parasite control should start early in the life of your cat or dog. You should deworm your kittens and puppies every two to three weeks. Do this until they reach 12 weeks of age. Baby animals usually get intestinal parasites through suckling or while they are still inside the womb. You should deworm older animals at least two times since they arrive in your home. Once the initial deworming is over, you can put your cat or dog on a monthly deworming product. Here are common internal parasites that dewormers usually target:

• Intestinal parasites. Roundworms, coccidia, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are the most common intestinal worms that affect dogs and cats. Watch out for symptoms such as general weakness, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. Your vet will analyze your pet’s fecal sample to confirm the presence of the parasite. Then, your pet will receive treatment and preventive medication.

• Heartworms. These parasites attack the lungs and hearts of your pets. They cause respiratory and cardiac disease in dogs. Cats experience weight loss, coughing, vomiting, and death when they have this parasite. Since heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, it is best to put mosquito repellents on your pets. Also, have them checked by your vet for heartworm regularly.
  
   

External Parasites

Veterinarians always warn against the harm that external parasites can do to you and your pets. Ticks and fleas attach themselves to the skin, suck blood and nutrients, and even cause skin irritation. They also transmit several diseases to your pet and to human members of your household. To keep these external parasites at bay, you can use potent products in the market. Using these flea and tick preventives regularly can also help maintain the health of your household.

 

Year-Round Parasite Prevention

Experts say that you should prevent parasites all year. Mosquito eggs hatch in the warm months. Fleas become dormant when it’s cold but become active as soon as the snow thaws. Ticks usually come out when it is warm, but they can stay in your home and finish their life cycle during the cold months. Make sure you clean your yard constantly. Get parasite repelling plants and place them around your home. Always inspect your pets for any ticks or fleas. Vacuum your carpets, couch, and pet beds as often as you can. Also, bathe your pets regularly.


 

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to parasite control. At Liberty Animal Clinic, we encourage our clients to be vigilant in keeping their pets safe from all parasites. Please visit our clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 912-368-4080 if you have any questions about our parasite prevention packages.