One of the main reasons why pets always visit the local veterinary hospital is because of parasites, both internal and external. Fleas and different kinds of worms are pretty much a liability, considering that they are able to do major damage to your pet. Aside from the discomfort and irritation, they are capable of transmitting severe diseases not only to other animals, but to you as well. Preventing them from infesting your pet is your primary, task. Proactive measures may surely be a bother but if done correctly, you and your pet, may it be a cat or a dog, will certainly live a happy, stress and parasite-free life.
Fleas
Though a minor flea infestation can be treated through a flea-busting bath, severe cases may require the services of veterinary hospitals. These parasites are pretty common in both dogs and cats, especially during the warm months (spring and summer) though they can be a problem in colder seasons, due to them living indoors. Fleas are capable of providing extreme discomfort – the first symptoms are basically scratching and chewing on the itchy areas, causing hair loss and open wounds. They could also transmit tapeworms and other diseases. Here are the ways to prevent them:
Frequently clean (preferably vacuum) the areas where your pet usually stays, as this area will definitely function as a flea magnet.- Wash away your pet bedding and the pieces of furniture that surround it.
- In outdoor areas, pay particular attention to the porch, doormats and the other places where your pet likes to hang around.
- As mentioned previously, flea baths are a viable solution, although you may need to make use of a proactive measure.
- Roundworms
Perhaps the most dangerous of all the internal parasites whose existence on your pet would warrant a trip to the veterinary hospital, roundworms can be contacted in many ways. Although a mild infestation may not really cause severe problems, severe cases will call for drastic measures, considering that these worms are capable of infecting humans and cause a variety of diseases. With that said, here are some ways in how to prevent their existence:
Dewormers. Although more of a countermeasure instead of a proactive one, deworming will absolutely do wonders, considering the fact that roundworms may show up on your pet's feces, giving you a gruesome view of the parasite. Be sure to consult your veterinarian about this.- Be sure to immediately clean up your cat's litter box and the area where your dog deposits its feces, considering that it's the roundworm larvae may continue to thrive and exist.
- Never let children approach the areas where the pets answered the call of nature, considering that roundworm eggs may come in contact with them.
Fleas and roundworms are definitely parasites to watch out for, considering that they are able to do major damage not only to your pets, but also to the people living around you. Before you go to extreme measures of prevention and treatment, try to consult the services of your local veterinary hospital if you are encountering problems.