Cats and dogs are quite curious creatures. When run loose by their owners, they sniff everything along their way, investigate all the corners of a yard, lick things of interest, and have fun with their fellow neighborhood pets. These natural tendencies and activities unconsciously expose themselves to dangerous parasites and elements.
Parasites are quite common in pets, so it’s recommended to visit a veterinarian for parasite preventatives to keep your beloved pet far from the risks of parasite infestations. Now let us discuss the importance of pet parasite prevention.
Five Reasons Why Pet Parasite Prevention is Important
Your pet is a susceptible and easy target for small pests and pesky parasites. Common parasites like heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks feed on your pet, potentially infecting them with life-threatening health issues. So below, we’ve provided five reasons pet owners must always observe parasite prevention for their furry companions.
1. Ticks and fleas carry disease
Ticks carry Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and many more harmful diseases. Fleas are the major culprits of a common skin disease in pets, known as flea allergy dermatitis. Flea bites can trigger allergies that cause secondary bacterial skin infection, excessive scratching, and inflamed skin.
By securing your pet from harmful parasites, you protect your house and family. You might inquire from a dog veterinarian to get more information about the essential veterinary care to keep your pet in good condition.
2. Preventatives are safe and recommended by vets
All preventative products for pets are safe, except if they’re bought outside a veterinary clinic or without a veterinarian’s prescription. Many of the products not suggested by vets do not have lasting results or residual activity; hence you should never buy them. Veterinarians can provide your pet with safe and reliable treatments and help you pick the ideal products for your pet’s lifestyle and condition.
3. Heartworms are dangerous
Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes and can affect felines, canines, and even exotic animals like ferrets. They can cause inflammation of the blood vessels and considerable damage to their heart and lungs. In many cases, when it’s overlooked, it can cause death. Unfortunately, the treatment of advanced heartworm disease in canines is costly and dangerous, and there are no treatments readily available for felines yet.
However, using vaccinations and preventatives against many diseases and parasites can help avoid this in the first place, so your pet does not have to go through uncomfortable experiences. You may visit this link to learn more about pet parasite preventatives recommended by vets.
4. Intestinal parasites can affect people too
Intestinal parasites live in the gastrointestinal system. The most common signs of intestinal parasites in dogs are vomiting and diarrhea. Some internal parasites in felines and canines can affect individuals as well. Monthly deworming treatments in many heartworm preventatives recommended by vets can protect your pet from intestinal parasites.
Another method to avoid intestinal parasites is by limiting or eliminating raw meat and food from your pet’s diet. Additionally, bringing them to pet dentists for their annual pet teeth exam to keep their teeth healthy will benefit their overall health and avoid systemic conditions linked to bad oral health.
5. It’s worth a pound of cure
Preventing infestations of parasites in pets is cheaper, much easier, and more reassuring than treating them once they experience symptoms or diseases caused by the parasites. No matter the season, always protect your beloved pet by utilizing veterinary-approved parasite prevention medicines. If your furry buddy still hasn’t been examined by a veterinarian, have them inspected to get a tailored, extensive parasite protection program for your beloved pet.
