Parasite, Flea & Tick Prevention

Spring has finally sprung! The weather is improving and dogs and cats that have been cooped up all winter are loving the outdoors! Unfortunately, that also means that you are very likely to encounter an “unwanted gift” (fecal matter) on the grass and even on the sidewalk while you take your pets for a walk. This can harbor intestinal parasite eggs that your pet can easily become infected with. A single parasite can produce up to 85,000 eggs per day, which are shed in the stool! Some eggs can survive over a year, are not killed by most chemical disinfectants, and can even survive extreme temperature conditions up to -80 degrees Celsius! This is why it is so important to clean up after your pet!

Rodents and insects that are also out enjoying the nice weather can carry these parasites too, and pass them to your pet. The most common types of parasites are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Other parasites not covered by regular deworming products are giardia and coccidia. All of these parasites have shown prevalence in central Alberta and have the potential to cause diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, poor fur coat and development, and even death if left untreated. Puppies and kittens are most susceptible.

Your pets may be harboring parasites with no adverse signs, but they are still able to spread them to other pets and humans. Parasites are often invisible to the naked eye and the eggs may require a microscope to be seen. All of these parasites can be detected by a simple fecal test available through your local veterinary clinic. This test can also detect giardia and coccidia, which are not covered by routine deworming products.

Prevention of intestinal parasites is also important to human health since these parasites are easily transferred from pets to people. Parasites can cause serious irreversible health problems. Roundworm eggs can cause visceral larval migrans, where the tiny worm larvae can migrate through our intestinal wall to other organs where they can grow to large sizes. If they travel behind the eye they can even cause blindness, and children are most at risk! A tapeworm identified in southern Alberta caused symptoms similar to invasive liver cancer!

Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. These can include Lyme disease, erlichiosis, anaplasmosis and rocky mountain spotted fever. The parasites can also fall or jump off your pet inside your house and bite humans. Many pets suffer from severe allergic reactions to the bites of fleas and ticks. It is imperative that owners prevent these parasites by using one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from fleas and ticks.

Our staff and veterinarians can help you choose the correct product based on your pets risk factors and health status.  We’ve seen fleas and ticks on pets that have not left their own backyard besides a regular walk in their neighborhood!​We recommend providing parasite prevention for your pet once a month from spring through fall, approximately April to October. If you have young children or people who are susceptible to picking up disease living at home (such as the elderly or immune compromised individuals), we recommend providing parasite prevention for your pet monthly all year round. Contact us to discuss a parasite prevention protocol for your pet to keep them and your family safe from these parasites!

Parasite prevention is our best line of defense. Speak with your regular veterinarian or you can meet with us at Urgent Paws Veterinary Clinic to discuss which deworming product is best suited to your pet’s needs. Also, always clean up after your pet and wash your hands after doing so.

Health Canada also reminds pet owners to carefully read and follow all label directions for pesticide products that control fleas and ticks on cats and dogs, especially those that are applied directly to pets' skin.

Improper use of these products can potentially lead to adverse reactions in cats and dogs. Skin irritation is the most common symptom. Other reactions can be neuromuscular, such as tremors, or gastrointestinal, such as vomiting.

Pet owners using these products should:

• Read the label carefully before use, and follow the directions exactly. Labels of all flea and tick products outline their proper use.

• Use flea and tick control products only on the animal specified on the product's label - dog products for dogs, and cat products for cats.

• Use only the amount indicated for the age and weight of the animal being treated to prevent overdosing in small animals.
  

Pet owners concerned about the use of flea and tick products should discuss the situation with a veterinarian.

Pesticide products for flea and tick control that are applied to the skin of an animal are registered for sale in Canada under the Pest Control Products Act, and will have a Pest Control Product (PCP) number on the packaging. This update does not include flea and tick products that are sold as veterinary drugs, identified by a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Only flea and tick products with either a PCP or a DIN number on them should be used on pets to ensure that the products have been reviewed by Health Canada for safety and effectiveness.