Parasites: Not Just a Summer Problem
Are Parasites Just a Summer Problem?
Many people think parasites in pets are mostly a warm-weather problem. In reality, many parasites remain active year-round and can affect pets even when the weather turns cold.
So why should we care about parasites in our dogs and cats? For starters, they are more common than many pet owners realize. Many parasites can cause serious health problems, and some can even be transmitted to people. When it comes to parasites, prevention is much easier than treatment.
Types of Parasites
Parasites in dogs and cats can be divided into two main categories: external and internal parasites. External parasites are easier to recognize because they are visible on your pet. These include fleas, ticks, and mites. Internal parasites may not be as obvious, but intestinal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can make pets quite sick. Heartworms are different because they do not live in the intestines; instead, they live in the blood vessels around the heart and lungs.
How Pets Get Parasites
How do our pets get parasites? Most often, they are exposed through other animals, including wildlife. Parasite eggs are microscopic and can be present in feces. Some parasite eggs can also survive in soil, and roundworm eggs have even been found in potting soil.
This means that even indoor cats can still be at risk. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can still be exposed to parasites through mosquitoes, fleas that enter the home, or microscopic parasite eggs brought in on shoes or clothing. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, and tapeworms are commonly transmitted by fleas.
Signs of Infection
What are the signs of parasitic infections? For fleas and ticks, simply looking through your pet’s coat may reveal them. Internal parasites may not be as obvious, but they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, blood loss, coughing, and even organ damage. Some pets may show no symptoms at all but can still carry parasites and spread them to other animals.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
How do we prevent parasitic infections? Despite popular opinion, the best answer is to keep pets on parasite preventatives year-round. There are several options available, including topical medications applied to the skin and flavored preventatives that most pets readily accept. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when deciding which preventatives are most appropriate for your pet.
The Bottom Line
Parasites are a year-round concern, but they are also highly preventable. Regular veterinary care and consistent parasite prevention are the best ways to keep your pet healthy and protected from these unwanted pests.
