Parasite prevention

What kinds of parasites are most common in dogs and cats?

It’s no surprise that fleas and ticks top the list of common parasites in pets—followed closely by a handful of unpleasant worms.

Fleas: These tiny blood-suckers from the Siphonaptera family love to hitch a ride on your pet. Besides being itchy and irritating, they can cause allergic reactions and spread other parasites.

Ticks: Unfortunately, ticks have become much more common in recent years. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, so year-round prevention is key.

Heartworms: Spread by mosquitoes, these worms can invade a dog’s heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. They start off tiny but can grow to full adult size in about six months—making prevention much easier (and safer) than treatment.

Other Common Parasites:
In addition to heartworms, pets can also be affected by other internal parasites such as:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Coccidia
• Giardia
• Tapeworms
• Whipworms
• Threadworms

How do I know if my pet might have parasites?

It depends on the type of parasite. With external parasites, you may notice your pet itching, flea dirt on the coat, red or irritated skin, restlessness, or patches of hair loss. Sometimes you can even see the little critters.Internal parasites can lead to tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, a bloated belly, changes in the coat, blood in the poop, coughing, low energy, and breathing issues.

When should I start my pet on parasite prevention?

We usually recommend starting puppies on deworming by 8 weeks old and keeping them on parasite prevention for life. Kittens should start a little earlier, around 4 weeks old, and be dewormed every month until they are about six months. Even after that, cats still need regular parasite protection. Your TVS vet can help you create the perfect schedule for your pet.

What else can I do to keep my pet safe from parasites?

A little extra cleaning and care can go a long way in keeping your pet parasite-free.

Be sure to wash your hands after playing with your pet, handling their food, or cleaning up their waste. Scoop your cat’s litter box every day and change the litter often. Regular vacuuming—especially in areas your pet likes to hang out—can help prevent fleas from taking hold. Try to wash your pet’s bedding and toys often using hot water and mild detergent.

It’s also best to avoid feeding raw food, since it can expose pets to harmful parasites. Keeping your yard neat, mowed, and free of debris like branches and tall grass helps stop fleas and ticks from moving in.

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