Parasite prevention is key to maintaining your pet’s wellness, which is why we recommend lab testing at least once a year to ensure your pet is not infected by parasites or suffering from any underlying issues. Regular testing and a monthly preventative are the best ways to ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and free of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Schedule the annual testing appointment for your pet at Glenwood Pet Hospital today!
Common Intestinal Parasites in Erie, PA
Intestinal parasites are more common than you may realize. Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and giardia infect your pet via ingestion of their eggs. These parasites can be found outdoors and indoors, brought into your home on the bottom of shoes, on clothes, or discovered in the soil of a houseplant. They also do not typically cause any external symptoms, making diagnosing any issues more complicated. Luckily, we can perform annual testing right here at our animal hospital to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
Fleas and Ticks
The most common type of external parasites to affect pets are fleas and ticks. These parasites are also found indoors and outdoors, though more commonly found in backyards, patios, or dog parks. External parasites can wreak havoc on your pet’s health by spreading diseases such as Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease as well as more mild symptoms including itching, hair loss, allergies, anemia, and skin infection. We recommend a monthly preventative to protect your pet and your home from a potential infestation of external parasites. Fortunately, we can also provide flea and tick treatment as well as flea and tick prevention to keep your pet healthy.
Heartworms
Heartworms are a potentially deadly parasitic roundworm that affects both dogs and cats. Heartworm disease may not provoke systems upon initial infection, however if bitten by an infected mosquito, pets may experience the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue or reluctance to exercise (Dogs)
- Weight loss
- Asthma attacks (Cats)
- Vomiting
Diagnosing heartworm disease can be confirmed through a simple blood test, though x-rays or echocardiograms may also be used. Despite the minimal threat to humans, testing for heartworms is still important and highly recommended. This disease can be prevented by providing heartworm prevention medication and limiting your pet’s exposure to mosquitos.
