Common Parasites & How They Affect Your Pet
Many parasites can harm cats and dogs, causing problems from itching and discomfort to heart failure and kidney dysfunction. Learn about the most common types of parasites that may affect your pet and how to keep them safe.
Heartworms
Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that affects the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. Prevention is key since heartworm disease treatment for dogs is costly and difficult. For cats, there is no treatment for heartworm disease—only prevention and supportive nursing care.
Fleas
These tiny pests cause itching, allergies, and skin infections. A single flea can lay hundreds of eggs, leading to a full-blown infestation in no time that can seem impossible to eradicate. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and other diseases, and can cause anemia in puppies, kittens, and small pets.
Ticks
Ticks carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and so much more. They latch onto your pet and can be hard to spot until they become bloated with a meal, making prevention and prompt removal crucial—especially if your pet spends time outdoors.
Intestinal Worms
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can cause digestive issues, weight loss, and other complications in pets. Some of these parasites can even be transmitted to people and cause serious health problems in young children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly.
Why Year-Round Dog & Cat Parasite Prevention Matters
Many pet parents think parasite prevention is only necessary in warmer months, but fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes can survive in cooler temperatures. Some parasites, like intestinal worms, pose a risk no matter the season. Consistent, year-round prevention is the best way to ensure your pet is always protected, and test annually to verify the efficacy of your parasiticide of choice.