As caring and responsible owners, it is up to us to be proactive in keeping our pets safe from anything that could cause them pain, suffering, and harm, including parasites. Infestation with internal or external parasites can diminish your pet’s quality of life and even result in life-threatening illness. Some parasites can also be a threat to humans as well. Common internal parasites in dogs and cats include heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. The most common external parasites are fleas and ticks. Treating and controlling these parasites is the best defense for your pet against these dangerous parasites.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, are contagious to other animals and humans. Because they primarily inhabit the GI tract, microscopic larvae, or eggs, are passed in the feces. The larvae then inhabit the soil around the feces, leaving other dogs, and children, vulnerable to accidental ingestion and subsequent infection. Routine deworming is the easiest and least expensive way to prevent your pet from developing a sustained parasitic infection.
Heartworms
Heartworm disease is a serious disease that can result in lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets. Heartworms can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. Once the infective larvae mature, the worms damage the blood vessels, and reduce the heart’s pumping ability, resulting in severe lung and heart disease.
The good news is that heartworm infection is almost 100% preventable. Here in Laramie, we recommend that all dogs be on a heartworm preventative from at least early spring through fall. In some cases, based on travel history or other lifestyle factors, it is recommended that heartworm preventative be given year-round.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas can cause skin irritation and discomfort, tapeworm infestation, anemia, and other serious diseases. Some tick bites cause only mild irritation or swelling at the site, but other tick bites can infect your pet with serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.
Parasite Control and Prevention
We carry both Interceptor Plus and Credelio in stock here at Animal Health Center and are able to offer veterinary exclusive instant rebates. Interceptor Plus is a monthly chewable that provides broad spectrum internal parasite protection, including heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Credelio is also a monthly chewable that kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea in and tick infestations. We also have additional products available through our online pharmacy.
