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Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Parasite-Free
Pets are part of our families, and keeping them free from parasites is an important part of their overall health and well-being. At Onion River Animal Hospital, we help protect your pets from both external (ectoparasites) and internal (endoparasites) that can cause discomfort and serious illness.
External Parasites (Ectoparasites)
Fleas and ticks are among the most common external parasites that affect pets. They’re not only irritating but can also carry diseases that spread to both animals and humans. Some of these include:
- Bartonella (cat scratch disease, spread by fleas)
- Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (spread by ticks)
Fleas can also trigger flea allergy dermatitis, a severe skin condition that makes pets extremely itchy and uncomfortable.
Internal Parasites (Endoparasites)
Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in pets, but hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are also frequently seen. Pets can become infected by accidentally swallowing parasite eggs found in contaminated soil or feces. Some parasites are picked up by eating infected hosts, such as rodents or fleas.
These parasites are also zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans. For example:
- Swallowing roundworm eggs can lead to larvae migrating through the body, causing organ damage or even blindness.
- Hookworm larvae can penetrate bare skin, leading to a skin condition called cutaneous larval migrans.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is another serious internal parasite, but unlike others, it is not zoonotic (cannot spread to humans). Pets get heartworms when bitten by infected mosquitoes. The larvae travel through the bloodstream to the heart, where they grow into adults.
Adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and can cause heart failure and death if untreated. Early on, pets may not show symptoms. As the disease worsens, signs may include:
- Dogs: coughing and fatigue during exercise
- Cats: vomiting and coughing
Heartworm treatment is risky and expensive, so prevention is always the best option.
Importance of Year-Round Prevention
Because parasites pose health risks to both pets and people, keeping your pet on a year-round parasite prevention program is essential. The right preventive products can:
- Protect against heartworm disease
- Control intestinal parasites
- Prevent tick-borne diseases
You can also lower the risk of zoonotic disease in your household by:
- Washing hands regularly
- Cleaning up pet waste promptly
- Avoiding undercooked meats and unwashed produce
Protect Your Pet Today
Our veterinary team will recommend the best prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle and health. Protect your furry family member from parasites all year long — it’s one of the simplest ways to keep them happy and healthy.
For more information on parasites and prevention, visit petsandparasites.org or talk with one of our friendly team members at Onion River Animal Hospital today.
