By: Dr. Veja Tillman, DVM
Control of parasites is an important key to keeping your pets happy and healthy. Healthy pets may not show outward signs of a parasitic infection. For this reason, numerous pet health organizations recommend treatment for parasites be maintained year-round. Periodic diagnostic testing and examination by your veterinarian play a pivotal role in helping to maintain your pet’s health. Protecting your pets from parasites also protects your family. So, how do we keep our pets free of parasites?
- There are several methods of treating parasites in pets. However, the most effective method is to maintain a complete parasite control program. This includes:
- Treatment of all pets in the homewith a flea and tick control product (either topical or an oral formulation) and with deworming agents as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Treatment of your pet’s environment. This includes thoroughly cleaning your pet’s sleeping quarters and vacuuming floors and furniture that your pet encounters frequently. Careful and regular cleaning of the pet’s living area helps to remove eggs, larvae, and other infective debris from the living environment.
- Treatment of the home and yard. Use of insecticides (yard sprays or powders/ granules) may be recommended to eliminate any parasites that may have escaped from your pet(s). Additionally, trimming and removing brush and picking up and disposing of pet waste also help to reduce your pet’s exposure and risk .
Key Considerations:
- Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time you groom your pets or when you return home from areas that are likely to have higher numbers of parasites.
- Consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or licks his/her coat, scooting or persistently shakes the head or scratches ears.
- Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort, decreases the chances of disease transmission, and may reduce the degree of home infestation.
- Discuss the health of all family pets with your veterinarian when one pet becomes infested. Some parasites cycle among pets, making control of infestations difficult unless other pets are considered. Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.
- Tell your veterinarian if you have attempted any parasite remedies, as this may impact your veterinarian’s recommendation.
- Leave treatment to the experts. Your veterinarian offers technical expertise and can assist you in identifying products that are most likely to control your pet’s parasite problem effectively and safely.
ABOUT DR. VEJA TILLMAN, DVM
Dr. Tillman is a 2002 graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her veterinary practice and work experience focus on the health and wellness of pets in Southwest Florida. She is the owner of Just 4 Pets Wellness Center and can be reached at 239-270-5721.
