Parasite Prevention

One of the cornerstones of good pet care is parasite prevention. We cannot overstate the importance of keeping your furry pal on a good preventative care regimen. Simply giving Fido and Fluffy their preventative products can protect them from a slew of disgusting and dangerous parasites. Unfortunately, with climate change, many parasites are becoming more prevalent. Some are staying active longer, while others are moving into areas that were formerly inhospitable. A local Lawrenceville, GA vet goes over some key points of parasite prevention in this blog.

What Else Can I Do To Keep Parasites Away From My Pet?

Following good hygienic practices will go a long way here. A lot of that entails basic common sense precautions and basic cleaning protocols.

Wash your hands after handling your pet’s things, cleaning messes, or dealing with Fluffy’s litterbox. (Ideally, you really should wash your hands after touching your furry pal, but that one is easy to overlook or forget.

Scoop your cat’s litterbox daily and change it out regularly.

Vacuuming regularly is also important, especially when it comes to flea prevention. We would generally advise that you vacuum high-traffic areas regularly and follow up with more thorough weekly cleanings. You may want to get a robot vac, though we wouldn’t recommend having it run when no one is home. It’s also important to wash your pet’s bedding and toys regularly. If possible, use the hot cycle and unscented detergent. You’ll want to check the label though.

Also, don’t offer your pet raw food.

It’s worth noting that there are things you can do around your property as well. Keeping your yard mowed and removing debris, such as fallen branches, can help repel fleas and ticks, who like long grasses and nooks and crannies to hide in.

What Are The Most Common Parasites That Affect Pets?

This one probably isn’t going to be a surprise: fleas and ticks are at the top of that list, followed by some very unsavory worms.

Let’s take a look at the most common offenders:

Fleas 

This tiny, annoying bug is a member of the Siphonaptera family, which is basically a clan of flightless, blood-sucking jerks.

Some not so fun facts about fleas:

• They can jump 150 times their height.
• They do not have teeth, but instead have needles for a month.
• They are most active in warm weather. If you live in the north, you’ll get some respite in winter. Warmer areas have to cope all year round. However, even in colder climates fleas can get through winter … by finding a host or a warm spot.
• Fleas are attracted by various things: movement, body heat, and vibrations. They even pick up on CO2 levels. However, scents do not attract them.
• Fleas can live in all climates and conditions.
• Flea infestations take three months to eradicate. That is because of the life cycle. One reason this can be difficult is because fleas often get into carpets. They lay eggs on pets, but the eggs often end up on the carpet.
• One female flea can have 2000 eggs in just 3 months. 
• Severe infestations can lead to anemia in smaller animals.

Fleas are far more dangerous than you may realize. The dangers aren’t confined to pets, either. They can carry diseases, such as the plague, typhus, and cat scratch fever, and can also transmit other parasites, such as tapeworm.

Ticks

Ticks have unfortunately been enjoying a population boom over the past few years. We also have a few not-so-fun facts on them:

• The ticks that are most common here in North America are the American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Blacklegged Tick (akaDeer Tick ), Brown Dog Tick, and Winter Tick.
• A single tick can lay 20,000 eggs.
• They can’t jump, but like to hide in tall grasses, waiting for innocent victims to pass by.
• There are 850 types of ticks. We don’t care for any of them. There are about 200 here in the States.
• They will feed off pretty much anything moving: mammals, birds, people, pets, and even bugs. 
• Ticks Hate Sunlight. This may work in your favor. Putting a three-foot gravel path around your property can help repel them. 
• Ticks are often referred to as insects, but they’re actually arachnids, like spiders and scorpions.
• They often hibernate in winter, when it’s harder to find food.

Ticks can transmit several diseases, which can affect both people and pets. Lyme Disease is the most well-known. Others include Rocky Mountain Spotted fever; Anaplasmosis; Babesiosis; Ehrlichiosis; Tularemia; and Powassan virus disease. Ask your Lawrenceville, GA vet for more information.

Heartworms

Heartworms, as the name suggests, infest dogs’ hearts. They also live in other vital organs, such as the lungs. Though they are microscopic upon transition, it only takes them about six months to reach their full adult size. As the worms grow, they interfere with essential functions. Left untreated, infestations can be fatal. 

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so pets can become infested anywhere there are mosquitoes, even in their own beds. Heartworms also cannot be easily treated, which is another reason they are so concerning.

Roundworms 

Roundworms are actually the most common intestinal parasite in both cats and dogs. Severe infestations can cause intestinal blockages, and can be deadly. Pets can get roundworms in a variety of ways. Mothers can transmit them to  puppies. Fido and Fluffy can also ingest the eggs by eating an infected animal, or through a host.

• Hookworms
• Coccidia 
• Giardia
• Tapeworms 
• Whipworms
• Threadworms

What Are The Signs Of Parasites In Pets?

That one ultimately depends on the type of parasite. For external parasites, itching is usually the first giveaway. With fleas, flea dirt is another sign. You may also notice your pet’s skin becoming red or inflamed. Other signs include skin discoloration, restlessness, and hair loss. You may also see the parasites directly. 

Internal parasites cause different issues. Some things to look for there include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fur loss, blood in stool, coughing, weakness, lethargy, and respiratory issues. 

When Should I Start My Pet On Parasite Control?

We generally recommend that puppies be dewormed by the time they are 8 weeks. Little Fido will need to stay on parasite prevention for the rest of his life. As for cats, kittens should be dewormed at about 4 weeks, and again every month until they are about six months old. fluffy will still need parasite control after that. Ask your vet to recommend a dosage schedule. 

What Type Of Parasite Control Is Best For My Pet? 

There are quite a few different products available today. You can opt for chews, topical drops, or even shots in some cases. With flea and tick prevention, you can also look at things like shampoos and collars. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to personal preference. Talk to your Lawrenceville, GA vet about the different options, and find out what is going to work best for you and your beloved pet. 

Make An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, GA Pet Clinic

Do you need a great vet in the area? Does your pet need vaccinations or parasite control?  Please feel free to contact us, your Lawrenceville, GA pet clinic, anytime. We are dedicated to offering top-notch care.