Animals can pick up internal and external parasites almost anywhere. Just a walk through the neighborhood or a romp at the dog park can expose your pet to a variety of pests. Regular preventative products can help reduce your pet’s vulnerability to pests. At Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming, we offer parasite prevention and effective treatments for pets with parasite infestations.
How Does A Dog Get Fleas?
Fleas can be found in any outdoor environment. A flea hiding in the grass in your yard or the park can hop on your dog, feed on your pet’s blood, and begin to reproduce. Once established, the eggs, nymphs, and adult fleas can infest your carpeting and furnishings. Treatment requires bathing with insecticidal compounds and repeated cleaning and treating of the home. You can avoid this problem with the regular use of flea and tick medications for pets.
Ticks Can Affect Your Dog’s Health
A tick will bite your pet and maintain its hold, feeding on the animal’s blood. In the process, the tick can transmit diseases to your pet, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, or anaplasmosis. These diseases may require ongoing treatment by a veterinarian to maintain the animal’s health.
Signs of Heartworm Disease
Common signs of heartworm disease include a persistent cough, exercise intolerance, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. There may also be weight loss and poor appetite. If the disease is advanced, the animal may collapse and may even die. Treatment of heartworm disease requires rest for the animal, antibiotics, anti-heartworm medications, and other supportive measures as needed. However, treatment does not always assure a good outcome for the animal.
Signs Your Dog Has an Intestinal Parasite
Similarly, dogs can pick up an intestinal parasite from contaminated soil or water bowls, or toys used by an infected animal. You may notice your dog has become sluggish, has diarrhea, or losing weight despite eating normally. The veterinarian can detect roundworms, hookworms, and other parasites by examining a fecal sample under a microscope. Medications are available to eliminate these parasites.
Parasite Prevention Measures to Keep Pets Healthy
Pet owners can choose from a wide range of parasite prevention methods. Sprays, powders, collars, spot-on treatments, and oral medications are available to prevent fleas and ticks. Some products also prevent intestinal parasites and heartworm disease. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best methods for your pet’s needs.
Contact Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming, MI
Our veterinarians and staff at Northern Veterinary Associates are committed to providing quality care for all of our furry friends in Ishpeming. We offer many veterinary services, including wellness care, vaccinations, surgery, parasite prevention, diagnostics, microchipping, and 24-hour emergency care. Call our team today at (906) 485-6145 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
