Pet Parasite Prevention
Ensuring our pets are protected against both internal and external parasites is critical to their health and wellbeing as well as for our own!
In Australia, domestic pets can be susceptible to various external and internal parasites. These parasites can pose health risks to not only our pets, but also potentially to their humans as well.
It is essential to protect our pets through proper preventive measures and regular veterinary care.
Types of parasites
External Parasites
Fleas
(Ctenocephalides spp.)
Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation, and even transmit other diseases and parasites such as tapeworm. They’re also incredibly frustrating to remove from your home and yard once infested.
Ticks
(Ixodes spp.)
Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and tick paralysis. The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) causes death if not treated immediately.
Mites
(Sarcoptes scabiei & Demodex spp.)
Mites can cause skin conditions like mange which can easily spread to humans whilst others, such as ear mites cause itching and discomfort.
Lice
(Trichodectes spp. & Linognathus spp.)
Lice infestations can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation.
Internal Parasites
Roundworms
(Toxocara canis)
Roundworms are internal parasites that can affect a dog’s digestive system. They are a common concern in puppies often giving them a pot-bellied apperance.
Hookworms
(Ancylostoma spp.)
Hookworms are intestinal parasites that can cause anemia, weight loss, and digestive issues. These can pass on to people, often children when stepped on in the garden.
Tapeworms
(Dipylidium caninum & Taenia spp.)
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can lead to weight loss, scooting, and abdominal discomfort. Segments of the worm are often seen around the bottom or in feaces.
Whipworms
(Trichuris vulpis)
Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and general debilitation.
Heartworm
(Dirofilaria immitis)
Heartworm is a serious internal parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. It affects the heart and lungs and can be fatal. It is costly and time consuming to treat.
Giardia
(Giardia spp.)
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhoea and gastrointestinal upset.
Coccidia
(Coccidia spp.)
Coccidia are protozoan parasites that can cause diarrhoea, especially in puppies and immunocompromised dogs.
Liver Flukes
(Trematodes)
These parasites can infect the liver and bile ducts, causing liver disease. They are more commonly found in rural areas.
Treatment Options
There are many preventative treatment options available to ensure your pets remain safe against these nasty critters.
Here at Berwick Clyde Vet our preferred preventatives include:
- Dogs:
- Proheart SR12 Heartworm injection accompanied by Simparica and Cazitel
- Simparica TRIO and Cazitel
- Nexgard Spectra
- Cats:
- Revolution and milpro all wormer
- Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Ferrets:
- Revolution
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