Parasites in Pets

Parasites are a year-round threat to pets, causing everything from itching and irritation to life-threatening diseases. Whether it’s fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, or heartworms, parasites can significantly impact your pet’s health and well-being.

At East Wind Animal Hospital, we believe prevention is the best protection. This guide will cover the most common parasites in pets, how they spread, signs of infection, and the best ways to prevent and treat them.

Common Parasites That Affect Pets

1. Fleas: Tiny Pests with Big Consequences

Fleas are one of the most common external parasites, feeding on blood and causing intense itching and irritation. However, they can also lead to serious health problems, including:

  • Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): A severe allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes red, inflamed skin and hair loss. Learn more from the Merck Veterinary Manual.
  • Anemia: Severe flea infestations in puppies, kittens, or elderly pets can lead to life-threatening blood loss.
  • Tapeworm Transmission: Fleas carry tapeworm larvae, which can infect pets when they groom and ingest fleas.

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Year-round flea preventatives, including topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars.
  • Regular vacuuming and washing of bedding to eliminate flea eggs in the environment.
  • If an infestation occurs, treat both the pet and the home to prevent reinfestation.

2. Ticks: Disease-Carrying Arachnids

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can spread dangerous diseases to both pets and humans. According to the CDC, dogs are highly susceptible to tick-borne illnesses, including:

  • Lyme Disease: Causes joint pain, fever, and lethargy.
  • Anaplasmosis & Ehrlichiosis: Tick-borne infections that affect the immune system and blood cells.
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A serious bacterial infection that can cause organ damage.

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Use veterinarian-approved tick preventatives year-round.
  • Perform daily tick checks, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
  • Remove ticks immediately using tweezers, gripping close to the skin.

3. Heartworms: A Silent but Deadly Threat

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can cause life-threatening heart and lung disease in dogs and, less commonly, in cats. Once infected, heartworms grow inside the heart and lungs, leading to severe organ damage.

  • Symptoms in Dogs: Coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing.
  • Symptoms in Cats: Vomiting, asthma-like symptoms, and sudden collapse.

See the latest heartworm prevalence data to understand the risk in your area.

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Monthly heartworm preventatives (oral or topical) are essential, even in colder months.
  • Annual heartworm testing ensures early detection.
  • Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is costly and dangerous, making prevention crucial.

4. Intestinal Parasites: Hidden Dangers Inside Your Pet

Many pets are infected with intestinal worms, often without showing immediate symptoms. According to the AVMA, common intestinal parasites include:

  • Roundworms: Found in puppies and kittens, can cause a bloated belly and diarrhea.
  • Hookworms: Attach to the intestinal lining and cause anemia, bloody stool, and weakness.
  • Whipworms: Live in the colon and can cause weight loss and chronic diarrhea.
  • Tapeworms: Transmitted through fleas, appear as small rice-like segments in stool.

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Routine fecal testing detects worms before they cause severe health issues.
  • Deworming treatments are necessary for puppies, kittens, and pets with known infections.
  • Prevent reinfection by cleaning up pet waste immediately.

Year-Round Parasite Prevention: The Best Defense

Many pet owners assume parasites are only a problem in warm months, but they can thrive year-round. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stresses the importance of consistent parasite prevention to protect pets from infections.

A year-round prevention plan includes:

  • Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
  • Annual parasite screenings (heartworm tests, fecal exams)
  • Regular grooming and environmental control
  • Avoiding high-risk areas (tall grass, wooded regions)

At East Wind Animal Hospital, we offer personalized parasite prevention plans based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

How to Tell If Your Pet Has Parasites

Common Signs of a Parasite Infection:

  • Excessive scratching, hair loss, or inflamed skin
  • Lethargy or sudden weight loss
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or bloated abdomen
  • Scooting or visible worms in stool

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an exam today at East Wind Animal Hospital.

Keep Your Pet Protected

Parasites can cause serious health problems, but prevention is simple and effective. By staying on top of year-round parasite control, you can protect your pet from fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms.

Need parasite prevention or treatment? Contact East Wind Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment today.

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