Internal and External Parasite Control

Every pet is susceptible to internal and external parasites. There are a number of parasites that can infect your pets, such as:

Hookworms and roundworms are zoonotic parasites, meaning that they can cross infect both animals and humans. Children are most vulnerable to infections from these parasites, as most parasites can be found in sandboxes, dirt and grass; natural playgrounds for children. Parasites are released through your pet’s feces and their eggs can live in an environment for months.

DETECTION:
External parasites such as fleas and ticks can be seen on your pet. Other external parasites such as lice and ear mites need to be diagnosed via skin scrapings and microscopic examination of those scrapings.

Heartworms are dangerous internal parasites that mainly affect dogs, but can cause infection in cats as well. A heartworm infection must be detected by performing a simple blood test, which the American Heartworm Society recommends be performed at least once annually and prior to beginning heartworm prevention in dogs over 6 months of age. Tapeworms can be detected in your pet’s feces; they resemble small grains of rice or when dried, may appear to resemble sesame seeds. Tapeworm infections can also be detected through a fecal examination, though this method is not as effective.

Hookworms, roundworms, coccidia and giardia can all be detected via a fecal examination. A small sample of your pets’ feces (less than 1 tablespoon) is examined by our laboratory to detect the presence of these parasites.

TREATMENT:
Treatment for heartworm disease is possible, but is expensive and carries risks. A drug called Immiticide is given in 3 doses; one initial dose followed by 2 additional doses 30 days later. Depending on the severity of the heartworm infection, there is a potential risk of lung damage due to the dead and decomposing worms; strict rest is required post treatment. Prevention of the disease is a much safer option.

Tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms can all be treated with 1 – 2 doses of the oral medication, Drontal Plus, or by applying Advantage-Multi topically on a monthly basis.

Lice and ear mites can both be treated with the application of Advantage-Multi.

Coccidia is treated with a course of the oral medication, Albon, over a course of 3 – 5 days.

Giardia is treated with a course of oral medication, which may be Metronidazole, Panacur or combination of both. The course of treatment lasts from 3 – 5 days.

PREVENTION: