17/10/2024
🐾Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious health issues for our beloved pets. At Midway Road Veterinary Clinic, we want to help you stay informed about the common parasites that can affect your furry family members and how you can protect them year-round.
🦠 Internal Parasites: Who’s Living Inside?
The most common internal parasites in cats and dogs include:
• Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms: These worms can cause digestive issues and more serious complications. They are usually detected through a stool sample at your vet’s office.
• Tapeworms: These parasites can be spotted by finding small segments (resembling grains of rice) around your pet’s a**s or in their stool.
• Heartworm: A serious and potentially fatal parasite, heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and requires a specific blood test for diagnosis.
🪲 External Parasites: Who’s Living Outside?
Fleas, ticks, and mites are common external parasites that live in your pet’s fur. These pests can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even spread diseases.
🔍 How Do You Know if Your Pet Has Parasites?
• Stool samples can reveal intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
• Visual clues: You may notice tapeworm segments around your pet’s a**s or in their bedding.
• Heartworm testing: Regular blood tests are the only way to detect heartworms early, preventing severe health problems.
📅 When Are Parasites a Problem?
Parasites are a year-round concern, but they thrive in warmer weather, making prevention particularly important during spring and summer. However, staying on top of prevention throughout the year is key to keeping your pet healthy.
🛡 What Can You Do to Protect Your Pet?
• Regular deworming: Your pet should be treated for internal parasites on a regular schedule, as recommended by your vet.
• External parasite control: Flea, tick, and mite prevention should be used consistently, with extra attention during warmer months when these parasites are most active.
🩺How Can Midway Road Veterinary Clinic Help?
We offer a comprehensive selection of parasite prevention products tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Whether it’s deworming, flea treatments, or heartworm prevention, our team can recommend the best options to keep your pet protected. Plus, we’re always running specials, so stop by and chat with us!
Your pet’s health is our priority. Let’s work together to keep them safe from parasites! 🐕🐈
