Parasite Control: What You Need to Know
With warm weather comes the mosquitoes that spread heartworm disease to dogs and cats. It also opens the doors for social time that enables the passage of parasitic infections between pets. Although direct contact between pets poses the most risk, it is also possible for your pet to pick up internal parasites from the environment. You can help protect your pet by learning more about controlling parasites.
Types of Dog and Cat Parasites
Most internal parasites affecting dogs and cats infiltrate the digestive tract, including:
- Giardia
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Coccidia
Heartworm, on the other hand, goes straight for the internal organs, such as the heart and lungs. This parasite travels through the blood stream in search of additional areas to infect. Luckily, your vet can help diagnose the parasitic infection and determine the best course of treatment for your pet.
Parasite Diagnosis and Treatment
Blood draws and fecal samples are the two main diagnostic procedures used to detect parasites. The outside or in-house lab will take a close look at the biological samples to determine if your pet is suffering from parasites. These tests not only indicate the presence of parasites, but also the type that is affecting your pet at that moment.
Preventive Tactics
Heartworm can cause lasting complications to occur, even when properly treated by a vet. Although early detection and treatment improves health outcomes from parasites, prevention is the best way to protect your pet. Your veterinarian can provide oral medications designed to keep parasites from surviving in your pet’s body.
Schedule Timely Vet Care Check-Ups for Your Dogs and Cats
You can keep your dogs and cats healthy with regular check-ups with your veterinarian at Burke Animal Clinic. Give us a call at 703-569-9600 to schedule your pets’ appointments at a convenient time and date for you.
We look forward to partnering with you in the care of your beloved dogs and cats.
