Pet Parasite Prevention

Fleas and ticks are the most common type of parasites for dogs and cats. These parasites naturally live in most outdoor areas, and they use the dog or cat as a host for a food supply by biting the animal and drinking its blood. Fleas and ticks can be incredibly problematic when they are present in large numbers, but these are the easiest pests to treat with proper veterinary care.

Both dogs and cats can get roundworms. These parasites live in the intestines and feed off of the contents found inside. Unfortunately, if roundworms are present, they can steal the pet’s food’s nutrition before it is fully absorbed by the animal’s body, leading to malnutrition. There are a few different types of roundworms, such as hookworms, but each can pose a similar threat to your pet.

Heartworms can affect most mammals, and if left untreated, the condition can lead to heart failure. These parasites are tiny and thin-like threads, so they can freely pass through the bloodstream and get into the cardiovascular system. In the early stages of a heartworm infestation, a dog or cat may have a swollen belly, a slight cough, decreased appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

Tapeworms are most often picked up by a dog or cat that eats or drinks something already contaminated, and tapeworms can even be passed on to humans. These long worms live in an animal’s intestines and consume the food that comes through, which means the host does not get the proper nutrition. Weight loss is the number one sign that your pet has tapeworms. Treatment for tapeworms requires a visit to the local animal hospital by a veterinarian.