Cooperative Living September 2023 - 24

PAW PRINTS
Pest-Free
Pets
Five tips for keeping
furry friends safe
Story courtesy of Family Features
N
aturally curious, many pets sniff
and explore other animals and
objects, unaware they may expose
themselves to potentially harmful parasites
and conditions. According to the Companion
Animal Parasite Council, 1 in
100 dogs tested positive for heartworm
in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats
were positive for heartworm infection.
External parasites - including fleas,
ticks and mites found outdoors or on
other animals - and internal parasites
such as heartworms, roundworms,
tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms
can wreak havoc on your pet's health
and well-being. These parasites can feed
on dogs and cats, causing health issues
that range from minor skin irritation to
severe organ damage and even death if
left untreated. Some parasites can also be
contracted by people, making diagnosis
and prevention even more important.
Though prevention is the best
approach, treatment is sometimes
required. Intervention is most effective
when started immediately after a parasite
is detected. Work with your veterinarian
to tailor a program specific to your
dog's or cat's breed, age, behaviors and
environmental factors to help prevent
parasites in your pets. Also consider these
tips from the experts at VCA Animal
Hospitals, which has more than 1,000
locations across North America that cared
for more than 4 million pets last year.
PROVIDE PREVENTATIVE
MEDICATIONS
Based on their specific risk factors,
dogs and cats should be on year-round
parasite control programs that treat
22 * Cooperative Living * September 2023
1 in 100 dogs
tested positive
for heartworm
in 2022.
infections such as heartworms, intestinal
parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite
prevention medication options range
from topical to injectable and oral.
VISIT THE VET ANNUALLY
Yearly visits allow your veterinarian
to take note of changes in your pet's
health and alter his or her parasite
control program as necessary. Your
vet can tell you which parasites to
watch for based on your location, how
these parasites can be transmitted,
and which preventative products are
most appropriate. Additionally, newer,
more accurate parasite tests can also
identify parasite strains that may affect
people and pets. Remember, dogs and
cats age faster than humans, so annual
exams with diagnostic testing are the
equivalent of humans visiting the
doctor every four-to-five years.
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS
OF PARASITES
Some pets infected with a parasite
don't show any signs of illness. However,
common signs of infection include
diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or
blood in your pet's stools. Coughing
or difficulty breathing may also
accompany heartworms. Also consult
your veterinarian if your pet excessively
scratches, chews or licks his or her
coat or ears, or persistently shakes his
or her head. Seeing your vet as soon as
possible can get your pet treatment and
help prevent spreading the parasite to
other animals. Puppies and kittens are
especially at risk for parasites, since
most contract them from their mothers
while nursing and their small size puts
them at greater risk for severe illness.
GROOM REGULARLY
To reduce the risk of coat
contamination and increase the
likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and
coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to
periodically groom your pet, or have
him or her professionally groomed.
It is particularly important to inspect
your dog or cat after playing outside
or with other pets.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET
Since most intestinal parasites spread
through contact with feces, it's crucial
to dispose of any waste in your yard
or pet's litter box within 24 hours
to avoid exposure and reduce the
risk of environmental parasite
contamination. A contaminated yard
can be a source of exposure for many
months as parasites can live in the soil
for extended periods.
*
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http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2023

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