Protection from the Inside Out

It’s often the little things in life that cause the biggest problems. Internal parasites may be puny, but these tiny creatures can wreak havoc with your pet’s health. They can even cause life-threatening illnesses if left untreated. Here are the top ten simple steps you can take to keep your pet parasite-free.

1. CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Ask your veterinarian which parasites are a problem in your area. There are parts of the country where certain internal parasites are less of a concern and others where monthly prevention is imperative. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what to watch for according to your geographic location and prescribe the most appropriate preventive products.

2. BE AWARE OF THE CULPRITS.
The most common pet parasites include heartworms, intestinal worms, and Giardia. You should speak with your veterinarian to learn more about the different ways these parasites can be transmitted to your pet. If your dog or cat does become infected, your veterinarian will also talk to you about the appropriate medications needed to correct the problem.

3. WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS.
Each parasite causes slightly different symptoms in pets. According to Dr. Kimberly Barron of Northshore Veterinary Hospital in Bellingham, Washington, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or blood in your pet’s stools. Signs of heartworm may include coughing and difficulty breathing. “If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, consult with your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause,” Dr. Barron advises.

4. GIVE YOUR PET PREVENTIVE MEDICATIONS.
The good news is that there are a number of simple-to-administer medications that can protect your pet from internal parasites. Giving these preventives just once a month can keep your pet parasite-free year round. The key is consistency, even if you’re on vacation. So, just pick a date once a month to give one of these tablets to your pet, mark it down on your calendar, and you’re done.

5. KEEP YOUR YARD FECES FREE.
According to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Texas A&M University, good sanitation is one of the best ways to prevent any problems with parasites. “That means that all dog feces are picked up from your backyard within 24 hours,” she says. “This prevents parasites that are shed in dog feces from seeding down into your grass or soil, thus causing a reinfestation.”

6. PROVIDE A CLEAN SPACE FOR YOUR PET.
If your pet spends a great deal of time outside, make sure he has a clean, dry place to sit or lie down on. Dr. Barron advises, “You want to get your dog up off dirt or mud and away from any feces.” For dogs that spend a lot of time outside, a raised dog bed can help cut down on the chance of a parasite reinfestation and give your pet a more sanitary environment to enjoy.

7. HAVE YOUR VETERINARIAN DO A YEARLY FECAL CHECK.
Every year when you visit your veterinarian for your pet’s annual exam, bring a fresh sample of her stool. Your veterinarian can use this sample to test for parasites.

Young pets are particularly vulnerable to intestinal parasites. If you’ve just gotten a new puppy or kitten, make sure you bring a stool sample along to his first veterinary exam. This will help get your pet off to a healthy start. If your pet was obtained from a breeder, the breeder should also give you a record of when the puppy was wormed and what kind of medication was used. This is critical information that should be passed on to your veterinarian.

8. LET YOUR VETERINARIAN MAKE THE DIAGNOSIS.
Just because your pet has diarrhea or is vomiting doesn’t necessarily mean there is a parasite problem. Dr. Beaver warns pet owners against trying to diagnose a parasite problem on their own by administering a generic wormer. “The worming medicine you choose may not be effective for the problem your pet has,” she says.

9. DON’T LET YOUR DOG EAT FECES.
Since most parasitic worms are shed into an animal’s feces, this is a prime way to pick up parasites. It’s important to prevent your pet from eating feces by either disposing of them immediately or taking your dog out on a lead when you are in an area where fecal matter may be accessible.

10. DON’T LET YOUR PET DRINK STANDING WATER.
Standing water is a prime breeding ground for a parasite called Giardia. This pesky parasite can cause acute diarrhea and fluid loss. Young puppies are especially susceptible. “Never let your pet drink from standing water or puddles,” says Dr. Barron. It’s important to provide a clean fresh source of water for your pet to help prevent this problem.

Protecting your pet from internal parasites is an important part of keeping him healthy and happy for life. All it takes is a little commitment on your part to stop these tiny pests from bugging your furry friend.