Deworming is a crucial part of a complete preventative health care program that should be adhered to prevent pets from being infected with parasites (both external and internal). It is equally important to implement measures to avoid the spread of parasites to you and your human family members. Here are some facts that you should be aware of about uninvited houseguests that your pet or cat might be hosting inadvertently.
Why is vaccination necessary?
Since pets are susceptible to being affected by various worms, with some that are lethal, they must be vaccinated annually and maintain a healthy diet, and get their pet wellness plan to protect their pets from parasites.
Young Pets Should Be Vaccinated More Often
Deworming your cat, dog, or other pet at least once every two weeks up until they reach the age of 3 months is highly advised. Even if your mother is treated for worms, likely, her offspring will still have parasites when the babies are born. This is true for kittens and puppies alike. After that, the exposure risk will determine the need for deworming in our area. Talk to your internal medicine specialists regarding this matter.
Not Seeing Them Doesn’t Imply They Aren’t There
There are instances when there are worms that wiggle with a small size within the feces of our pets; however, this isn’t always the case. If there’s a concern, it is recommended that a fecal examination is conducted to determine the presence of parasites. Younger pets roam more often and usually eat anything around them, causing these issues during their younger days.
Factors That Can Increase Exposure
The first thing to consider is determining what types of parasites you encounter in the region where you live and whether or not there is any history of parasites from past pets that you should investigate. A recent excursion with your pet and family might have placed your pet at the risk of contracting an entirely new disease or being infected by a new parasite species. Do you and your pet frequently interact with a large number of other animals? The presence of which could further increase the risk of your pet getting one.
Lowers Risk on Certain Individuals
Pregnant women, the elderly, children, people currently experiencing cancer, patients who have diabetes, as well as anybody who has a compromised immune system are at risk. Many of the parasites which are found in dogs and cats are zoonotic. That implies that they could be passed between animals and humans and cause illnesses in humans. If there is anyone who might be in greater danger of exposure, you ought to exercise extreme caution and take further steps to keep them safe, especially for dogs with heart issues.
Extreme Weather Survival
Some species are able to survive temperatures even as low as 30 degrees Celsius. The daily production of eggs by intestinal roundworms is around 10,000 eggs. Despite our harsh environment, the eggs are viable and infectious for as long as five years since they have an extremely thick layer of crust that shields their eggs from weather and other elements. This allows them to endure. If exposed to these parasites, your pet may still be in danger of contracting a disease of an entirely different type.
Common Parasites of Pets
Intestinal protozoa such as ascarids (roundworms), tapeworms, and giardia, which can result in “beaver fever” in humans, comprise the following: Humans are vulnerable to infection by roundworms as well as tapeworms. Roundworms appear to be becoming more common.
Lowers the Risk of Infection
You can avoid getting sick if you collect your pets after walking and while in your yard. Sandboxes not being used should be covered with lids, and garden areas must be kept safe. After getting rid of animal feces, clean your hands thoroughly and immediately using soap and water. Discuss the prevention method for parasites that is most effective and appropriate for your pet. Prevention is better than cure.
