Parasite Prevention in Tewksbury, MA

Parasites do not always cause external symptoms, making 

ANNUAL TESTING

and monthly preventative measures imperative.

INTESTINAL PARASITES

Any pet can be affected by intestinal parasites. The eggs of these parasites, which infect pets, can be tracked into the home via the soles of your shoes and can even be found in brand new indoor plant potting soil—even “indoor only” pets are at risk. The parasites we typically see include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and giardia. All are very common in our area. In most instances, these parasites do not show outward obvious signs in pets, making biannual testing and monthly preventatives imperative. In people, these parasites are not as well tolerated and can lead to serious disease, so treating and preventing infestations is paramount.

EXTERNAL PARASITES - FLEAS AND TICKS

Fleas and ticks are common external parasites of dogs, cats and other mammals. Fleas and ticks are transmitted animal to animal as well as through the environment. Many pets are exposed to fleas and ticks outside in yards, patios, dog parks or on walks. Humans can even bring fleas into their homes on their shoes and clothing. Fleas and ticks cause itching, hair loss, allergies, anemia and skin infection. They can also transmit parasites, such as tapeworms, and serious diseases, such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Pets should be on flea and tick prevention year-round. Remember: The key to preventing fleas and ticks is monthly application of a veterinary-prescribed and recommended maintenance program. Without consistent monthly administration, your pet will be susceptible to fleas. A flea problem on your pet means a flea problem in your home. Understanding the flea life cycle and methods for its control can be a daunting task. We will gladly assist you in this process. We can provide you with safe, effective flea prevention and if necessary, flea treatment.

HEARTWORMS

Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are a common and potentially deadly type of parasite that affects both dogs and cats. Symptoms include coughing, intolerance to exercise, lethargy and sudden death. Prevention and early detection are key when it comes to combating the serious disease caused by heartworms.

Common Heartworm FAQs

Heartworms are a parasitic roundworm that certainly do not belong inside our pets. Pets may show no clinical signs in the beginning stages, however, they will become more obviously ill as it progresses. Pets may begin to show decreased appetite, weight loss, and eventually breathing problems and heart failure. 

The short answer is mosquitoes. Not all mosquitoes carry heartworm, but once a mosquito has bitten a heartworm positive animal, it can spread to the animal that it feeds on. Many times, a mosquito may feed on the blood of a coyote, feral cat, or other wildlife. Which is why our pets need continuous preventatives, as carrier mosquitoes could increase at any time.

The good news is that our pets don’t directly spread heartworms to one another. However, if one of your pets has heartworms, it could be a carrier and potential source of infection to other pets in the house. That said, it’s important to have all pets tested and covered by routine care.

Yes, both cats and dogs can be infected by heartworm.

In the early stages, many dogs may have no symptoms. However, the longer the infection persists, the more likely you’ll see your pup develop symptoms. Here are some of those symptoms:

  • Mild cough
  • Reluctance to exercise
  • Fatigue after moderate activity
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss

Much like with dogs, symptoms for heartworm in cats can be severe or nearly noticeable. Here are a few things to watch for:

  • Coughing
  • Asthma attacks
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss

There are a few ways that heartworms can be detected and diagnosed. 

The first way to diagnose heartworm is through blood testing. This is the most common way, as the blood test is a simple evaluation for a toxin (heartworm antigen) that stimulates an immune response. 

Sometimes an infection with only a few heartworms will not produce a positive blood test because the infection isn’t producing a significant amount of antigen. Ultimately, the blood test could take many more steps, such as CBC, thyroid, and other testing to produce an accurate result. 

Other forms of testing include radiographs (x-rays), or echocardiograms.

The short answer: PREVENTION! PREVENTION! PREVENTION! 

There are a few things that you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your pets, such as using screens or keeping windows and doors closed or limiting any stagnant water, the most effective option is keeping up to date on preventative. 

Many pet owners operate under the assumption that the diseases and internal parasites that impact their pets couldn’t possibly affect the humans in a household. Unfortunately, that assumption is incorrect. There are several illnesses and parasites that can pass from animal to human through varying levels of contact, and these illnesses and parasites, in addition to endangering your pets, could make you very ill as well.

The term for these conditions and parasites is “zoonotic,” meaning they can be transmitted from one species to another, and one of the most common zoonotic diseases is rabies. Most dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated by law and because of that, this disease is not as widespread or common as it used to be. However, rabies is still very much a danger with a staggering 99.95% mortality rate, it is the deadliest disease in the world.

Rabies is a viral disease that is generally spread through saliva, with bites being the most common method of contagion. The disease is treatable, but once symptoms appear in pets and people, chances of survival become very slim. Your best defense is to make sure your pets are fully vaccinated against this dangerous condition.

Leptospirosis another common zoonotic illness. Highly contagious and spread through the urine of infected wildlife, this bacterial infection causes similar symptoms in pets and people: muscle aches, fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, and, if left untreated, kidney failure and death. Your dog doesn’t need to encounter wildlife to contract it; simply having contact with infected water, soil, or food is enough to make your dog very sick. If your dog spends time outdoors, a leptospirosis vaccination is highly recommended to protect both your pet and your human family.

Most zoonotic illnesses are caused by internal parasites like giardia, toxoplasma gondi, and tapeworm. These parasites are passed from pet to human through contact with infected feces and can cause a wide array of symptoms in animals, including diarrhea, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and death. Depending on the particular parasite, humans, too, might show signs of diarrhea, as well as experience muscle pain, fever, coughing, and chest pain. Toxoplasma gondi is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and has been known to cause miscarriage.

The good news is that the vast majority of intestinal parasites that affect pets are easily kept at bay by in-clinic deworming treatments and the regular administration of preventative medication. If you want to protect your furry and your human family at the same time, make sure to keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations, and take care to safeguard them against internal parasites with a consistent preventative routine.


What do you know about parasites?
Quiz
Heartworm disease is a threat to pets nationwide.
This is not correct. Heartworm has been diagnosed in all 50 states.
Correct! Heartworm has been diagnosed in all 50 states.
My dog can get heartworm from playing with another dog that has heartworm.
Correct! Heartworms can only be spread between pets through the bite of a mosquito.
This is not correct. Heartworms can only be spread between pets through the bite of a mosquito.
My cat isn't at risk for heartworm if they are an indoor cat.
This is not correct. 25% of infected cats were found to be considered "indoor" cats. Mosquito bites don't just happen outside of the house!
Correct! 25% of infected cats were found to be considered "indoor" cats. Mosquito bites don't just happen outside of the house!
Fleas and ticks are active during all seasons.
Correct! A common misconception is that fleas and ticks are inactive during fall and winter when they are actually active year-round.
This is not correct. A common misconception is that fleas and ticks are inactive during fall and winter when they are actually active year-round.
Fleas and ticks can be found in virtually every region of the US.
This is not correct. Living in a particular climate or region does not mean your pet has no risk of contracting fleas and ticks. Make sure your pet is protected!
Correct! Living in a particular climate or region does not mean your pet has no risk of contracting fleas and ticks. Make sure your pet is protected!
Itching is the only symptom of fleas and ticks.
This is not correct. Fleas and ticks can also carry a variety of diseases that could lead to health problems for your pet.
Correct! Fleas and ticks can also carry a variety of diseases that could lead to health problems for your pet.

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