Parasites…nobody wants to think about them, but they’re out there, and our pets can be carriers. Parasite prevention is important for all pets, even those who are indoors 100% of the time.
Below are 13 parasite facts from various sources, including the Companion Animal Parasite Council and the CDC.
1) Cockroaches, mice and flies all can carry roundworm eggs. Cats and some small dogs will hunt/chase anything that moves!
2) 15% of commercial potting soil contains roundworm eggs. Many of us have houseplants inside, or garden outdoors and bring a little soil in on our clothing and shoes.
3) The Northeast has the highest prevalence of roundworms than any other part of the country.
4) People and other animals that do go outside can bring in different parasites that can affect indoor only animals such as cats.
5) A study conducted in 2007 by the CDC proves that almost 14% of the
6) The same study also states “Although most persons infected with roundworms have no symptoms the parasite is capable of causing blindness and other systemic illness.”
7) Children and immune-compromised people, such as cancer patients, people with HIV or AIDS and organ transplants, are more susceptible of being infected with these parasites.
8) 40% of immune-compromised people have a pet at home.
9) Roundworms are prolific egg producers and are estimate to produce as many as 24,000 eggs per day.
10) It is estimated that 3 million to 6 million people in the
11) In just 30 days, 25 female fleas can multiply to more than 250,000.
12) All it takes is one adult worm in a cat’s heart to be fatal. Cats that die from heartworm can be clinically normal (appear healthy, no symptoms) one hour before death.
13) More than 25% of cats with proven heartworm infection, according to owners, are kept indoors exclusively.
The above facts are geared more towards the indoor only cats, however everyone with pets can benefit from being aware of what various parasites can do. It stresses that even pets kept inside need parasite protection, as we bring the outdoors inside on a daily basis. I personally have brought fleas and an organism that caused a intestinal bacterial overgrowth home to my indoor only cat.
It’s important to know that some parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, are transmissible to humans. Roundworms travel to the eyes and cause blindness. Hookworms can borrow through the skin and cause skin problems.
All dogs and cats, indoors or out, need flea and heartworm prevention. Many heartworm preventatives also control intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. There are even a few Heartworm/Parasite/Flea medications that are all-in-one.
Now, let’s not forget about ticks! Ticks carry serious illnesses as well. Discuss with your vet if your pet is in a high risk tick area and what tick control you should use.
Suburban Animal Clinic carries several safe, effective products to control heartworms, fleas and ticks. All have a special going on as well!
Dogs:
Heartgard (heartworm & parasite): Buy a 12pk, get a $12 REBATE
Trifexis (heartworm, parasite, flea): Buy 6, get a $10 REBATE, but 12 get a $25 REBATE
Advantage Multi (heartworm, parasite, flea): Buy a 6pk, get 2 doses FREE
Advantix (flea & tick): Buy a 6pk, get 2 doses FREE
Seresto Collar (flea & tick): $20 REBATE (purchase w/ Advantage Multi for an additional $20 REBATE).
Cats:
Advantage Multi (heartworm, parasite, flea): Buy a 6pk, get 2 doses FREE
Seresto Collar (flea & tick): $20 REBATE (purchase w/ Advantage Multi for an additional $20 REBATE).
Frontline Plus (flea & tick): Buy 3 get 1 FREE
Please talk to your vet to decide which product is best for you and your pet.
Remember, parasites affect everyone, the pet and any human who has contact with that pet. And people and other pets can bring parasites inside. All pets should have a fecal sample checked for parasites at least annually. All dogs and cats should be on parasite protection (intestinal parasites, heartworm & fleas) year round. Most preventatives work a month behind (ie: give on Sept 1 to take care of any exposure in August), so giving year round ensures proper protection. Fleas can survive the winter, and ticks are not as affected by the brutal temperatures as once thought.
Protect your entire family, 2- & 4-legged, with complete parasite protection!