The team at Montgomery Veterinary Associates wants to remind you how important prevention is when it comes to your pet’s health. Fleas, ticks, heartworms and other parasites can cause serious health problems for your pet that do not cause visible symptoms. We can perform annual testing and provide appropriate prevention to maximize protection and help ensure your pet’s good health. Parasite prevention for dogs and cats is one of the most important aspects of pet care, and it can be easily overlooked.
Have questions about parasite prevention for your dog or cat? Call Montgomery Veterinary Associates today!
Common Types of Dog and Cat Parasites
There are a few main types of parasites that may cause issues for your pet. Luckily, our team can recommend monthly preventatives to protect your pet and help prevent any serious illness or disease that can be passed to your human family as well. We see a few common types of parasites in our area, including:
INTESTINAL PARASITES
Did you know that all pets can be affected by parasites, including indoor pets? The eggs of these parasites can be unknowingly brought into your home and infect your pet. We commonly see roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and giardia which don’t generate any external symptoms. This makes regular testing and monthly preventatives an essential part of your dog’s health care.
External Parasites
The most common external parasites we see are fleas and ticks, which our pets can be exposed to through other animals or while outdoors. These parasites can cause a wide range of issues including itching, hair loss, or allergies or more serious illnesses such as Lyme Disease. It’s a common misconception that fleas and ticks are only a seasonal concern. However, we recommend a monthly application of prescribed medication to provide protection year round.
HEARTWORMS
Heartworms are yet another common parasite that can be deadly if prompt treatment isn’t provided. This parasite is transmitted by mosquitos and can cause coughing, low energy, and sudden death. The best way to combat any issues caused by heartworms is to implement adequate prevention and annual testing.
Popular Heartworm FAQs
Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that do not initially cause any visible symptoms. As the disease progresses, your pet may lose their appetite, exhibit weight loss, experience breathing problems or even heart failure.
Mosquitos are a common source of heartworm, though not all carry the infection. Because of this, it is very important to routinely bring your pet in for testing and continually administer heartworm prevention medication.
Yes, both dogs and cats can be infected by heartworm.
Initially, dogs may not show any symptoms at all. However, as the infection progresses, the following symptoms can develop:
- Mild coughing
- Unusual fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unwillingness to exercise
- Weight loss
Like dogs, cats may not exhibit any symptoms when first infected, but eventually might show symptoms including:
- Asthma attacks
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
Blood testing may be performed to confirm heartworm disease. Radiographs or echocardiograms are another way to diagnose heartworms.
It’s possible that a blood test won’t come back positive because the infection isn’t producing a significant amount of the antigen. More testing may be required for an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention is key to protecting your pets from heartworms and any other parasite previously mentioned. Make sure your pet is up to date on any prevention medication to maximize their protection.
In relation to heartworms, you can keep mosquitos away from your pets by using screens, keeping windows and doors closed, and ensuring there is no stagnant water nearby.
When your pet tests negative, you can begin to administer monthly medication, or we can provide your dog with a PH-12 injection for 12 months of protection.
