Pets and felines are naturally interested, exploring every lawn area, sniffing everything in their route while licking fun objects, and playing with other pets living in the area. Due to their innate predispositions to play, they are unknowingly exposed to potentially harmful substances like parasites.
Heartworms, ticks and fleas, and many intestinal parasites are all too familiar in pets, wreaking havoc on your pet’s overall health and well-being. They eat other things that can cause health problems ranging from slight itching to severe stomach upset. Some parasites that infest dogs and cats are zoonotic. That means they can transmit to people and cause ailments for the pet owner and others in the family, making them much more dangerous.
External parasites can be a stressful diagnosis that no pet owner wants to hear about; however, they are preventable. You can take various steps to prevent parasites, from proper hygiene to monthly preventative medicines.
External Parasites in Pets
Many pets are affected by external parasites such as ticks, fleas, or mites on their skin and ears at one point in their lives. These parasites can irritate pets, causing major skin problems and even transmission of diseases. Modern medicine is made to treat these issues thanks to numerous external parasites that are much easier to treat, manage and eliminate.
Fleas
In humid weather and humid, fleas flourish. They can be a seasonally or year-round nuisance, depending on your environment. Fleas can be picked up by your pet everywhere there’s a flea problem, typically in locations that other cats and dogs frequent.
Based on your pet’s needs and the severity of the infestation, your veterinarian will recommend a suitable flea management strategy on behalf of your pet. Your veterinarian will recommend an effective flea control strategy to your dog. You can consult a veterinarian on dog teeth cleaning for your pet’s oral care.
Ticks
Ticks are often present in forested areas, brush, bushes, and natural undergrowth, and any animal (or humans) that enters these areas is at risk of becoming the host of ticks. Ticks still in their infancy feed on small, wild animals found in woods, prairies, and brush. Adult ticks prefer larger hosts, like cats and dogs, who tend to enter these spaces.
The pets susceptible to ticks are advised to use a suitable tick preventative during the time. Pet owners who take their pets to areas tick-infested on camping, sports, or hiking excursions should examine for ticks quickly after returning home and get rid of them.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are prevalent among small dogs and cats. They tend to stick to the ears and their surrounding. The individual mites can only be observed under a microscope since they’re so tiny. Close contact with an afflicted pet’s bedding may cause your pet to catch ear mites.
A combination treats ear mites of ear cleaning as well as medication. Your veterinarian might recommend the best treatment. Visit a veterinary website to learn more.
Sarcoptic Mange Mites
Sarcoptic mange, often called scabies, is caused by microscopic sarcoptic mange mites. Sarcoptic mange can strike pets of all ages and sizes at any time in the seasons. Sarcoptic mange mites are infectious between dogs and may be transferred through contact with infected animals and bedding and grooming equipment.
Sarcoptic mange in dogs needs medicine to kill the mites. Further treatment is necessary to help soothe the skin and prevent infections. It is also essential to clean and treat the dog’s environment. Consult a veterinarian about pet parasite prevention.