Parasites can attack your pet’s external body and their internal organs. Even if your pet stays indoors they can still be infected by other animals that visit the home or parasites can enter the home on your clothing and shoes. Some parasites are zoonotic, which means they can be passed on to you. To prevent this from happening, we recommend that pets be enrolled in a parasite control program.
What are signs that my pet has a parasitic infection?
If you suspect something is wrong with your pet you should get veterinary help immediately. A parasitic infection can lead to your pet catching rabies or Lyme disease, both of which are transmittable to humans. The following are signs that your pet may have an infection:
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Itching and scratching
- Swollen belly
- Protruding lumps
How can I protect my pet from parasites?
The best way to protect your loyal companion is to have them on a year-round prevention plan. Parasite prevention is not a one-off treatment; your loyal companion is always exposed to parasites and needs constant protection. Your veterinarian will determine how frequent their treatments will be based on which parasites they need protection from.
Will my pet need parasite control during winter?
Yes. Many people believe the risk of parasites disappears during the winter, but this is not true. Even though parasites like ticks thrive in warm weather, they are active whenever the weather is 4 degrees (C) and above regardless of the season. Other parasites like fleas can also hide in warm areas inside the home and infect your pet. Fleas have a life cycle of up to three months, which means they can affect your pet during winter if left untreated.
