Many normal and essential activities for your pet's health and lifestyle can put them at risk of catching parasites. Your dog needs to be outdoors, and your cat has the chasing activity, both indoors and outdoors, which are crucial for their well-being. However, these are just some of the various ways through which your cat or dog can become infected with parasites. Once infected, your loyal companion may experience severe symptoms that could cause irreparable damage to their organs. Additionally, it's important to consider that some parasites are zoonotic, meaning your pet can pass them onto you and other humans. Staying vigilant about parasite prevention is essential for the health and safety of both your pet and your family. To discuss how you can keep yourself and your loyal companion protected from parasites, feel free to call us at 705-885-7387.
What parasites can infect my cat or dog?
Parasites can be categorized into two groups: internal and external. External parasites are more visible as they reside on the skin, but some dogs and cats may not scratch, making it challenging to identify them promptly. This delay can lead to a community-wide issue. External parasites often require the environment to reproduce, making them a problem for everyone. If all pet owners use preventive medication for external parasites, fewer animals will suffer when they cannot receive treatment. Regularly inspecting your cat or dog's coat, paws, and skin is crucial as external parasites, such as ticks, fleas, ear mites, and mange mites, tend to reside on the skin. On the other hand, internal parasites can take longer to diagnose as they may not show symptoms in the early stages. These parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworms, typically live within the gastrointestinal tract. Staying vigilant and proactive with preventive measures is vital to safeguarding your pet's health from both internal and external parasites.
How can I tell if my cat or dog has parasites?
The symptoms of parasite infestations are typically unspecific. If you suspect that your cat or dog has parasites, it's crucial not to wait and see if the symptoms will resolve on their own. Your feline or canine companion can be infected for weeks or even months before you notice any significant symptoms. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital in ensuring the well-being and health of your beloved pet. Here are some signs that your cat or dog may have parasites:
- Itching and scratching
- Swollen belly
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Red bumps
- Bald patches
- Protruding lumps
Providing the appropriate treatment is the sole method to safeguard your pet, family, and community from the distress caused by these parasites. Contact our veterinarian so they can run proper diagnostics and provide treatment, call us at 705-885-7387.
How often should my cat or dog have preventatives?
Preventative medication should be taken all year round. Cats and dogs are at risk of getting parasites anytime throughout the seasons. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to establish a prevention routine that matches the lifestyle, age, and medical needs of your loyal companion. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a broad-spectrum preventive that protects them from multiple parasites.