Just saying the word “parasite” is enough to make most people cringe. Did you know that approximately one-third of dogs in the United States have intestinal parasites of some form, and over one in ten Americans have shown evidence of infection with Toxocara, a type of roundworm? These statistics show that parasites pose a health problem to both pets and their families, but fortunately, effective prevention, testing, and treatment options are available. At Pavilion Pet Crossing in Riverview, Florida, we work closely with pet owners to help keep cat and dog parasites under control to protect the whole family.
Parasites can affect any cat or dog, no matter where they live and whether they spend most of their time indoors or outside. In Florida, we have a climate that leaves pets particularly susceptible to a variety of parasites, including:
In addition to causing uncomfortable symptoms such as itching or digestive problems, parasites can also be carriers for diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and more. Unfortunately, many of the above parasites can also be transmitted to humans by pets, which is why it is crucial for your pet and your family’s health to perform routine parasite testing.
The great news is that pet parasites are easy to prevent with routine preventative medications. Dog owners should give their dog a heartworm pill every month, and many heartworm prevention pills also contain medications to prevent and treat intestinal parasites as well as fleas and ticks. There are also individual preventative treatments available for fleas, ticks, and worms in cats and dogs.
We screen for parasites during your pet’s annual exam and are also happy to evaluate if your pet is showing signs of a parasitic infection. The treatment for parasites in pets depends on the specific parasite, and we will walk you through your options to eradicate the parasite and return your pet to health.
To schedule an appointment at Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital, call (813) 670-8881 today!
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