In our most recent posting we updated you on the dreaded resurgence of fleas this time of year. In addition to fleas, there are several other parasites that deserve our attention, especially during the warmer months.
Tapeworms — Fleas open the door to infection with tapeworms–these nasty intestinal parasites most often show up as rice-looking segments on your Pet’s rectum. And these are only segments of the worm–the rest is still attached to the insides of your Pet’s intestine.
All it takes for your Pet to become infected is eating one flea with tapeworms, which can happen easily while your Pet is self-grooming.
If your Pet does become infected with tapeworms, your veterinarian can provide prescription medication that easily gets rid of them, but it’s best to do all you can to avoid them entirely. Some Pets may also pick up tapeworms from eating tapeworm infected mice or rabbits while out hunting in the outdoors.
Mosquito season leads to Heartworms – Spring showers bringing May flowers, and water, in conjunction with warm and toasty temperatures are sure to trigger mosquito breeding and hatching. Mosquitoes are another blood-sucking insect that transmits disease to Pets. Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes are a problem for many dogs across the country but can easily be prevented by giving your Pet a safe monthly medication. Monthly heartworm preventive combined with yearly blood testing for heartworm disease is part of a good health plan to keep your Pet protected.
Ticks Travel – What would the great outdoors be without ticks that live and travel in tall grasses, brush/shrub and the wooded areas often visited by families and Pets out for fun? It’s simple, effective and healthy to shield your dog with a monthly flea/tick preventive medication; your Pet’s veterinarian can help with what products would work for your Pet. Cats are much more sensitive to certain insecticides, so make sure not to use dog products on cats since they can be toxic to the kitty. Check with your veterinarian on what products would be best for your cat if they too travel to or roam in areas known to have ticks.
Preventable Disease — Exposure to diseases increases with warm weather when Pets and wildlife are more active and tend to roam farther. Keeping your Pet’s recommended core vaccines up to date will help manage their risks for picking up parasites that can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness.
Taking steps to incorporate preventive treatments to address the Pests that can irritate and sicken your Pet should actually make life easier–It’s more cost effective than treatment and helps your Pets stay healthy and happy. If you fall off the wagon with a monthly treatment program, check with your veterinarian and then get right back on.
