Protecting your pet from external and internal parasites (and their associated diseases) is every pet owner’s responsibility. But there are some misconceptions about parasites in the city and whether or not they are a threat to our pets. 

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to address the facts about parasite prevention in LA and what you can do to better protect your furry loved one.

External Parasites

External parasites are the ones most people think about and try to avoid. Especially in the spring and summer, mosquitoes are out in droves, along with other creepy-crawlies. Since the Los Angeles area doesn’t experience the deep freeze of the eastern and northern states, parasites are a problem year-round.

Parasites in pets weren’t as big a problem (prior to the 1970s) for a few reasons, the first of which being an increase in warm winters. Because we are traveling more between states and countries, we bring back parasites that perhaps weren’t as prevalent in our area before. 

Regardless of the reason, there are a few common pests that cause harm to pets (and people).

Fleas – Fleas are tiny insects that feed off the blood of their host, leaving their excrement on the skin and fur (this is usually the first thing a pet owner will see). These common external parasites can wreak havoc on a pet, as well as on their home and other family members, causing itchiness, skin problems, and flea allergies in some pets. Fleas also carry vector-borne diseases like Catch Scratch Fever and even plague (although rare)

Ticks – Ticks are actually tiny arachnids (spiders) rather than insects. They can easily hide in the fur while they feed off of their host animal, which they attach to to feed off of the blood. Tick diseases are transmitted to pets through wildlife hosts, like deer and racoons. Some ticks in the West carry serious diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and Canine Ehrlichiosis.

Heartworm – Heartworm disease has seen a spike among the dog population in Los Angeles. These parasitic worms  that resemble strands of spaghetti are transmitted through mosquito bites. The larvae develop in the heart and lungs, growing into adult worms and reproducing. This disease can be very costly to treat and can even be fatal, especially in cats.

Internal Parasites

Over the past few years, Los Angeles and the southern California area have experienced an alarming increase in internal parasites. In fact, an estimated 1 in every 8 pets are diagnosed with one of these internal pests. 

What are internal or intestinal parasites? 

• Tapeworm 
• Roundworm
• Hookworm
• Whipworms

These intestinal worms attach themselves to and/or feed off of the host in the gastrointestinal tract. Tapeworms are prevalent in cats and hookworms in dogs. Most puppies and kittens are dewormed when they are young because certain internal parasites are passed between mother to newborn.

Signs of internal parasites are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Gas
• Itching at rectum
• Anemia

Parasite Prevention in LA

Since these parasites can be serious, what can a pet owner do to protect their pets? It’s actually an easy answer. The best approach is to keep your pet on flea-tick and heartworm preventives, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian. At your pet’s annual wellness checkup, your pet will be screened for internal worms, including heartworm. 

Keep the yard and the community parasite-free by picking up pet waste. Avoid allowing your pet to eat fecal matter and drink from puddles, creeks, and public pet water stations. 

If you would like more information on parasite prevention in LA, please do not hesitate to call. 

The post The Facts About Parasite Prevention in LA appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

No matter where we live, parasites are everywhere. These tiny facts of life can range from gross (discovering worms in your pet’s poop), to frustrating (a flea infestation in your home), to downright deadly (a pet diagnosed with heartworm). 

Because fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites pose a risk to dogs, cats, exotic pets, and people all year long, pet parasite prevention is a critical part of your pet’s health care plan. 

Creepy-Crawly Disasters

Fleas – It only takes one or two fleas tracked in by a pet to create a full-blown infestation (fleas thrive in the warm, humid environment inside our homes). Not only can fleas transmit tapeworm and Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever), some pets are so allergic to flea saliva that even one bite can trigger severe itching, scratching, and hot spots on their skin.

Ticks – Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tick-borne encephalitis are just a few of the many diseases spread to pets and people by these eight-legged parasites. 

Heartworm – Heartworm is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and is arguably one of the most serious threats to our pets’ health. The disease is expensive and difficult to treat in dogs, and, because no feline treatment exists, it is almost always fatal in cats.

Intestinal parasites – Whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and more can cause uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects for pets. Not only that, some of these nematodes can even be passed to people. Fortunately, many popular heartworm preventive medications also include protection against intestinal parasites.

Practical Pet Parasite Prevention

Preventive care is crucial to your pet’s wellness and longevity, and parasite protection should be part of that plan. At your pet’s annual wellness appointments, your veterinarian will help you determine the appropriate parasite prevention protocol based on the type of pet you have, their lifestyle, overall health, and exposure risk. 

Exotic and pocket pets are not immune from internal and external parasites. Fleas, ear mites, lice, intestinal parasites, and more can take a toll on a small pet’s quality of life. Regular wellness care for pocket and exotic pets is a must in order to prevent and treat parasites.

Year-Round Protection

Just because the weather cools off (a little) during the winter months does not mean you can slack on your pet’s monthly protection. 

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos do not go dormant, especially in our warmer climate. Failing to protect your pet year-round exposes them to the serious risk of vector-borne illnesses. Most flea, tick, and heartworm preventives are relatively inexpensive and easy to administer to your pet on a monthly basis.

It’s never too late to start your pet on a parasite protection plan! Contact the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital for more information, and to schedule an appointment for your pet.

The post Avoid a Crisis With Pet Parasite Prevention appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.