At Chino Valley Animal Hospital, we believe prevention is the best medicine for protecting your pet against fleas, ticks, heartworms and other parasites. Parasites can have harsh effects on your pet’s health and transmit serious diseases, or even become fatal if left untreated. In addition, providing your pet with regular prevention is more economical than parasite treatment. That is why annual testing and regular preventive medication is crucial to your pet’s well-being.
Have questions about your pet’s parasite prevention regimen? Contact Chino Valley Animal Hospital today!
What Are Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites can infect pets that ingest the parasite or its eggs through infected food or water. The most common types found in Yavapai County and surrounding areas are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and giardia. Even dogs and cats that spend most of their time indoors can be infected, as intestinal parasites may be brought into your home on your clothes or shoes. Fortunately, our team can provide regular fecal exams and parasite prevention medication to pets in Prescott Valley.
What Are External Parasites?
External parasites such as fleas and ticks can infect pets via their environment. If your pet spends time outside in your yard, near a patio, at dog parks, or on walks, they are at risk of infection due to external parasites. These pesky parasites can provoke a range of symptoms from allergies, itching, or hair loss, to spreading other parasites and serious diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Fleas and ticks are a year round concern and your pet should receive proper prevention with that in mind.
What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are a parasite that can infect both dogs and cats, though initially may not present any symptoms. The disease is most commonly spread by mosquitos, though not all mosquitos carry the disease. An infected pet may not directly spread the disease to other pets in the house, however, a heartworm positive pet may become a source of infection. As the disease progresses, pets may exhibit various symptoms including:
Dogs:
- Mild cough
- Reluctance to exercise
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
Cats:
- Coughing
- Asthma attacks
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
If you suspect your pet may have heartworm disease, your veterinarian may perform a simple blood test, complete blood count, or thyroid testing to confirm the diagnosis. Although heartworms cannot survive inside humans, it is incredibly important to implement proper prevention to protect your pet against this parasite.
What do you know about parasites?
