Parasite prevention is essential to pet care. Unfortunately, climate change is increasing parasites. Some are remaining active longer and heading to formerly hostile locations. While this may not be the most pleasant topic, it is an important one. This blog by a neighborhood Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses parasite prevention.
What Else Can I Do to Protect My Pet from Parasites?
Hygiene will help here. Basic cleaning and common sense procedures can be effective in preventing infestations.
Here are some tips:
- After handling Fluffy’s litterbox, pet items, or messes, wash your handsRemember to wash your hands after cleaning up after Fluffy, handling their belongings, or dealing with any messes they make.
- Cat litterboxes should be scooped every day and changed frequently.
- Vacuuming regularly helps avoid fleas. We recommend vacuuming high-traffic areas routinely and deeper weekly cleanings. A robot vac may be useful, but don’t leave it running when no one is home. Also, wash your pet’s bedding and toys periodically. If feasible, use hot cycle and unscented detergent. Please check the label.
- Avoid feeding your pet raw meat.
You can also do things around your property. Keeping your yard maintained and eliminating trash and fallen branches will deter fleas and ticks, which favor tall grasses and hiding places.
Which Pet Parasites Are Most Common?
Fleas and ticks top the list, followed by some nasty worms.
Some unpleasant flea facts:
- Fleas are siphonaptera, a family of flightless, blood-sucking jerks
- They can jump 150 times their height.
- Instead of teeth, they have needles for a mouth.
- They thrive in warm weather. Winter provides relief here in the north, but warmer regions must cope year-round. However, even in colder climates, fleas can survive winter by finding a host or warm location.
- Movement, body heat, and vibrations attract fleas. They can detect CO2 levels.
- Fragrances don’t attract them.
- Every climate and condition can support fleas.
- It takes three months to remove fleas. The life cycle causes that. They are particularly problematic because flea eggs often get into carpets.
- A female flea can lay 2000 eggs in 3 months.
- Smaller animals can get anemia from severe infestations.
Fleas are more deadly than you think: They can spread plague, typhus, cat scratch fever, and tapeworm. The Black Plague that decimated Europe? That was them.
Ticks
Unfortunately, tick populations have grown in recent years. We have some unfun facts about them:
- People call ticks insects, but that’s false. They’re arachnids, like spiders and scorpions.
- In winter, when food is scarce, they hibernate.
- A tick can lay 20,000 eggs.
- Instead of jumping, they hide in tall grasses and wait for hapless victims.
- There are 850 tick species. None of them interest us. About 200 in the US.
- Animals, birds, people, pets, and bugs are all food for them.
- Ticks hate sunlight. It may benefit you. Three-foot gravel paths surrounding your property can deter them.
- The most prevalent ticks in North America are the American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick), Brown Dog Tick, and Winter Tick.
- Ticks spread diseases to humans and pets. These include Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and Powassan virus.
Consult your Cherry Hill, NJ vet for details.
Heartworms
Heartworms infect dogs’ hearts. They also inhabit important organs like the lungs. Though microscopic at transition, they grow to adult size in six months. Worms disrupt vital systems as they grow. Untreated infestations can kill. Pets can get heartworms anywhere there are mosquitoes, including in their sleep. Heartworms are extremely troubling because they are difficult to treat.
Roundworms
Roundworms are cats’ and dogs’ most common intestinal parasite. Severe infestations can obstruct intestines, which can be fatal. Roundworms can infect pets in several ways. Mothers can pass them to pups. Fido and Fluffy can consume infected animals or hosts to ingest eggs.
Other examples include the following:
- Hookworms
- Coccidia
- Giardia
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
- Threadworms
What Are Pet Parasite Signs?
That depends on the parasite. Itching and flea dirt are the telltale signs of fleas. You may also see red or irritated skin on your pet. Skin discolouration, restlessness, and hair loss are further symptoms.
Internal parasites cause different problems. Look for vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fur loss, blood in stool, coughing, weakness, lethargy, and respiratory difficulties.
When Should I Start My Pet On Parasite Control?
We recommend deworming puppies by 8 weeks. Fido will need to be on parasite control forever. Kitty deworming begins at 4 weeks and continues monthly until 6 months. Fluffy will also require ongoing parasite control afterward. Consult your vet for dosage advice.
My Pet Needs Parasite Control, But Which Type?
Many products are available today. Choose chews, topical drops, or injections. You can also use shampoos and collars for flea and tick prevention. Final choice is personal preference. Discuss your options with your Cherry Hill, NJ vet to find the best one for you and your pet.
Make An Appointment at Our Cherry Hill, NJ Pet Clinic
Do you need an excellent local vet? Vaccinations or parasite control for your pet? You can contact your pet Cherry Hill, NJ clinic anytime. We strive to provide excellent care.
