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Parasites may be tiny, but they can bring down the health of your pet. The parasites can be external or internal. Most pets will suffer from some parasite infection at some point in their lifetime, often at a young age. 

Some common pet parasites include intestinal worms, heartworms, and protozoan or single-celled parasites. If left untreated, a parasite infection results in life-threatening illness. There are things that you can do to protect your pet from parasites.

Talk to a Veterinarian

It is a good idea to consult a veterinarian to learn about parasites that may be prevalent in your location. Certain parasites are more prevalent in some parts of the country than in others. The veterinarian will inform you when year-round prevention is vital. 

You will know what to look out for and learn how the parasites could be transmitted to your pet. You can also receive information on the most effective preventive products.

Using Preventive Medication

It is a good idea to give your pet preventive medicines especially if you live where particular parasites are prevalent. Several medications can protect your pet from parasites. 

Talk to your veterinarian about the best medication and remember that when it comes to preventive medication, consistency is key. The preventive medications are given year-round and you should not miss the doses. 

Disposing of Dog Feces

You should pick up dog feces immediately. Pick up and dispose of the feces appropriately. Leaving the stool outside for long will increase the risk of parasites through contamination from wildlife transmission and rain runoff. 

Make sure that you train your pet to eliminate the waste in a designated spot, preferably close to the home. This will protect your pet from coming into contact with parasites from wildlife outside your property. 

Cleaning the Litter Box

Make sure that you clean your cat’s litter box frequently. Scoop out the litter box two times a day and scrub it thoroughly every week. You should avoid washing the litter box near food preparation areas or in the kitchen sink. 

Keeping the box clean will greatly reduce the risk of bacterial and parasite transmission. Use a mild or unscented cleaning product to eliminate bacteria without leaving an odor.

Identifying Signs of Illness

It is important to realize that many infected pets do not show signs of illness in the early infection stages. Prevention and regular testing are vital for keeping your pet parasite-free. You need to know what to look for while realizing that parasites do not cause the same signs in all pets. 

Some common signs of parasite infection include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and blood in the stool. If you notice any of the signs, take your pet to the vet immediately.

Practicing Proper Hygiene

You can protect your pet from parasites by practicing proper hygiene. Snuggling with your pet might be fun, but you should be careful about parasite transmission. This is especially important when you have kids in the home. 

Fecal material can easily be transmitted from pets to people. Wash your hands after handling your pet, especially when you have puppies and kittens that are not completely house trained. You should always inspect your pet after your outdoor adventures. Check the pet for ticks and fleas before bringing it indoors.

To know more about pets’ parasites, visit Animal Care of Oradell at our office in Oradell, New Jersey. You can also call (201) 483-9900 today to book an appointment.

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