Both internal and external parasites can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Though some parasite infections are treatable, it is easier and cheaper to prevent them. There are a wide range of parasite preventative medications available for your pet, depending on which parasite infections they’re most susceptible to.
What’s the difference between internal and external parasites?
Internal parasites cause infections in your pet’s internal organs, often leading to health conditions. Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms are some of the most common. Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted by pets to humans. External parasites like fleas and ticks are more likely to occur during some seasons, according to their breeding cycle. Fleas and ticks can also survive indoors during the colder months, which means your pet is still at risk of infections and will need year-round medication.
Why are external parasites harmful?
Fleas and ticks carry harmful diseases like zoonosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, which can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Zoonosis causes bloody diarrhea, fever, runny nose and watering eyes. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pet’s joints and a decrease in appetite. Fleas commonly cause allergic reactions which trigger skin conditions, leading to excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. Fleas can also deposit tapeworm eggs in your furry friend after biting them, which causes a tapeworm infection.
How can you prevent pets from getting parasites?
There are a range of preventive measures you can take to protect your furry family member against flea and tick infections. We’ll recommend one that best suits your pet’s needs and lifestyle. If you’re interested in starting your pet on a preventive, please contact us at 403-288-7299. Options include:
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month so when the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month, killing fleas and ticks on contact
