Dogs and cats of all breeds and ages are vulnerable to parasite infestations. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, heartworms, and ear mites attack our furry babies and cause discomfort. Some parasites can also transmit or contribute to harmful diseases in pets. Therefore, as a part of pet parenthood, it is important that we use effective prevention methods to keep these parasites at bay. We must also look out for signs of infestations so that appropriate action can be taken early. If you’re new to pet parenthood and do not know where to start, don’t worry, as we’re here to help! In this blog, we will shed light on the types of parasites that affect dogs and cats, along with their signs and prevention methods.
Let’s get started!
Types of Parasites in Dogs & Cats
The following are the some of the common types of parasites that can infest dogs and cats.
1. Fleas
Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking external parasites that tend to infest dogs as well as cats. Measuring about 1 to 3 millimeters long, fleas have powerful hind legs that allow them to jump massive distances to find a host. Their life cycles include four stages, i.e. eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The parasites cause severe itching in pets, followed by redness. Some pets are hypersensitive to proteins in flea saliva, which can cause a condition known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Fleas also contribute to health problems such as flea-associated tapeworm infections. Heavy infestations may also contribute to anemia, particularly in young or vulnerable animals.
Signs of Flea Infestation
Here are some of the common signs of flea infestation in pets.
- Flea dirt (flea feces) on the pet’s coat
- Frequent scratching
- Restlessness
- Hair loss
- Red bumps
- Scabs
- Pale gums
- Self-trauma like licking and chewing
How to Prevent Flea Infestations?
Here are some effective ways to prevent flea infestations in dogs and cats.
- Using year-round, vet-recommended flea preventives designed to kill adult fleas and prevent infestations. The most effective flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats include NexGard Chewables for Dogs, Bravecto Topical and Bravecto Plus for Cats.
- Simultaneously treating all pets in the household for fleas to prevent infestations from fellow pets.
- Washing pets’ bedding regularly with pet-friendly detergent can help eliminate flea eggs and other flea life stages.
- Vacuuming carpets and furniture regularly to remove fleas and flea eggs.
- Grooming with a flea comb to eliminate fleas and flea dirt.
- Maintaining the yard and eliminating piles of leaves, as they can harbor fleas.
- Limiting pet’s contact with wildlife and stray animals, as they may transmit fleas and other parasites.
2. Ticks
Ticks are tiny, eight-legged external parasites that attach to animals and feed on their blood. Unlike fleas, ticks do not jump, but crawl to get a host. Common types of ticks found in the US are Black-Legged Ticks, American Dog Ticks, Lone Star Ticks, and Brown Dog Ticks. Ticks can trigger severe itching in pets and may transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Signs of Tick Infestation
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Visible bumps
- Severe scratching
- Hair loss
- Self-trauma like scratching, licking, and chewing
How to Prevent Tick Infestations?
The following steps will help prevent tick infestations in dogs and cats.
- Using year-round tick preventives can help treat infestations and reduce the risk of future infestations. The most effective products that help ensure flea and tick prevention in dogs and cats include Bravecto Chews, Simparica for dogs, and Revolution for dogs and cats.
- Inspecting pets daily, especially after their outdoor visit, can help detect possible infestation.
- Maintaining the yard, mowing the lawn, and removing leaf piles can help reduce areas where ticks may be present.
- Limiting pets’ interaction with wild animals, as they are known to harbor ticks.
- Treating all household pets is essential in order to prevent re-infestations.
3. Heartworms
Heartworms, scientifically known as Dirofilaria immitis, are transmitted through infected mosquito bites. They are long, thin parasites that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals, causing serious damage to these vital organs, such as lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage.
Signs of Heartworm Disease
Signs of heartworm disease may differ in dogs and cats.
Dogs
- Persistent cough
- Tiredness during play
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
Cats
- Coughing similar to asthma
- Throwing up
- Open-mouth gasping
- Reduced appetite
How to Prevent Heartworm Disease?
Here are some of the effective steps to prevent heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
- Using veterinarian-recommended heartworm preventives regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep pets safe from the deadly parasite. There is a wide range of heartworm prevention for dogs and cats available on the market. The most effective formulas include Heartgard Plus, Selehold fordogs and Revolution Plus and NexGard Combo for cats.
- Eliminating stagnant water in and around the home, as it can provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.
- Limiting pets’ outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours like dawn and dusk.
- Using a pet-safe mosquito repellent at home to protect pets from mosquito bites.
Also read this: Types of Heartworm Prevention for Dogs
4. Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms are internal parasites that live, feed, and reproduce inside the digestive tracts of pets. They steal essential nutrients from their host, leading to conditions like malnutrition, weight loss, and digestive problems. The common worms that infect dogs and cats include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Signs of Intestinal Worm Infestations in Dogs and Cats
Let’s look at the common signs of intestinal worm infestations in dogs and cats.
- Visible worms in pets’ stool or vomit
- Bottom scooting
- Weight loss
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Dull and rough fur
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to Prevent Intestinal Worm Infection?
Here’s how you can prevent intestinal worm infection in dogs and cats.
- Using a veterinarian-recommended parasite preventive appropriate for your pet and the intestinal worms prevalent in your area.
- Deworming puppies and kittens according to a veterinarian-recommended schedule can help eliminate worms. The most effective dewormers include Drontal and Milbemax for Dogs, and Profender and Drontal for Cats.
- Cleaning and disposing of pets’ feces appropriately, as it may help reduce environmental contamination of roundworm and hookworm eggs and larvae.
- Controlling fleas as it helps prevent tapeworm infection.
- Avoiding feeding raw meat as it may increase exposure to intestinal worms.
- Discouraging hunting and scavenging, as infected prey may expose pets to certain intestinal parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the most common parasites that affect dogs and cats?
A. The most common parasites that affect dogs and cats include fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, heartworms, and ear mites.
Q. Can indoor cats and dogs get parasites?
A. Indoor cats and dogs are vulnerable to both internal and external parasites. Staying indoors reduces the risk, but it does not completely prevent exposure to parasites.
Q. How often should pets receive parasite prevention?
A. Most pets need year-round parasite prevention. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventives are generally given once a month. Dewormers are usually required every 3 months, while young or high-risk animals need more frequent care.
Bottom Line
Protecting our canine and feline babies from harmful parasites is an important part of responsible pet parenthood. By being vigilant of signs of parasite infestations and using year-round preventatives, you can effectively break the parasite life cycle to ensure a healthier, longer life for your furry companions.
At CanadaVetExpress, we carry an impressive range of formulas to prevent parasites in dogs and cats. Explore our online store to get your hands on your preferred pet care products from the comfort of your home.