Pet Parasite Prevention in Altadena
Parasites are one of the most persistent and irritating problems our pets have to deal with. Because parasites are active all throughout the year, your pet needs year-round protection to keep them from getting infested or infected with disease. Here at Altadena Pet Hospital, we understand the struggles of pet parents who want the best for their companions. We offer a variety of preventative care options to ensure that your pet stays healthy and safe for life.
Protecting Your Dog or Cat from Pet Parasites
There are different ways you can build up your pet’s defenses against parasites and parasitic diseases. Our options include:
- Yearly parasite testing (fecal and heartworm)
- Oral and/or topical parasite preventives (should be given year-round)
- Vaccinations (including the Lyme vaccine for dogs)
- Deworming (many puppies are born with intestinal parasites, which should be eliminated as soon as possible)
You can also make your home environment less inviting to pests by cleaning frequently—vacuuming, dusting, removing trash, and more. Clear brush, tall grass, and wood and leaf piles from your yard (these make great hiding spots for fleas and ticks). Additionally, try to keep your pet from wandering into wooded areas and be sure to check their fur, paws, and ears (and your clothes) for fleas and ticks as well before going inside.
Harmful Pet Parasitic Diseases
Along with snacking on your pet, parasites can also pass on illnesses, some of which can be fatal. The most common diseases transmitted by parasites are:
- Heartworm disease – mosquitoes can spread heartworm disease to dogs, cats, and other mammals. When heartworm larvae enter your pet’s bloodstream, they travel to the heart and lungs and spend their mature lives growing and reproducing. Over time, these heartworms can block the arteries, limiting blood flow and forcing the heart and lungs to work harder. Heartworm disease can be fatal if it isn’t treated in time.
- Lyme disease – black-legged deer ticks are known to spread bacteria that cause Lyme disease in those infected. Lyme disease symptoms include inflamed joints, lameness, lethargy, and fever. We offer the Lyme vaccine if your pet is at risk for exposure to this disease.
- Flea allergy dermatitis – When a flea bites, it can make your pet itch. In some cases, however, it can lead to an allergic reaction. This may result in rashes, hot spots, hair loss, and skin infections.
For more information about parasitic diseases to be wary of or to learn more about our parasite prevention options, please call (626) 798-0738.
