Parasite Treatment and Prevention
What is a parasite?
A parasite can be defined as an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by taking nutrients at the host's expense. Our pets can have internal or external parasites; meaning, some parasites live inside the body while other parasites live outside the body.
Internal ParasitesA common group of internal parasites often found in our pets are intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are parasites that live inside the host animal's gastrointestinal tract. Examples include roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms and protozoa (such as giardia and coccidia). |
External ParasitesThe most well known external parasites in our area include fleas, ticks, and mites. There area several types of mites found in both the cat and dog. |
How do dogs and cats get intestinal parasites?All dogs and cats are at risk for becoming infected with intestinal parasites. The degree of risk will varying for each pet depending on their lifestyle, diet and environment. Dogs and cats can contact intestinal parasites by different routes. Parasites are usually transmitted when an animal inadvertently ingests parasite eggs or spores in contaminated soil, water, feces or food. In the case of tapeworms, the can also be transmitted when a dog or cat eats an infected flea or ingests raw meat or fish. Puppies and kittens, on the other hand, usually get intestinal parasites from their mother. Transmission occurs while puppies are in the mother's uterus, or while the puppies or kittens are nursing.
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How do dogs and cats get external parasites?Dogs and cats can become infected with external parasites through direct contact with other infected animals, or through indirect contact. Indirect contact can including contact with contaminated bedding, grooming equipment, or environments.
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Size comparison of a dime and an adult tick
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Microscopic image of a tick
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Why Should You Care About Parasites?
All pet owner's should be knowledgeable about parasites and know the parasite preventative medications that are recommended in your area. Not only can these parasites make your pet sick by causing things like: diarrhea, vomiting, itching skin, rash, damage to the internal organs, anemia, loss of fur, or no obvious symptoms at all; they can also spread other conditions like Lyme's Disease. Many of these parasites can infect people as well. Besides being unpleasant, parasites pose a real health problem. Children are the most vulnerable since parasites can be transmitted by the inadvertent or intentional ingestion of organic material containing eggs found in soil and sandboxes. Immunocompromised, pregnant women and elderly people are also at a higher risk of contracting parasites.
What can you do to protect your family and pets?
Most parasites are treatable and even easier to prevent. The best way to find out if your pet has parasites is to take them to their veterinarian for an annual wellness examination. At our veterinary clinic we can examine their ears, skin and coat for signs of external parasites. We can also examine a stool sample under the microscope to look for evidence of intestinal parasites through identification of microscopic eggs and cysts.
Having your pet on a regular intestinal parasite prevention will ensure the health of you and your pet. All puppies and kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until they are twelve weeks old then depending on their lifestyle and environment will be placed on a regular parasite prevention program.
If you have any questions or concerns you can call, e-mail or visit the Animal Health Centre. Our veterinary team is your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pet.
Giardia
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Scabies Mite
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