Pet Parasite Control
in Centerton, AR
Because pets are a vital part of our families, guarding against parasite infestations is crucial to maintaining their health. Your pet may experience ectoparasites (external parasites) or endoparasites (internal parasites) at some point during their lifetime. Ectoparasites like fleas and ticks can spread vector-borne diseases to both humans and animals, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehlichia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also be a nuisance to your pet. Flea allergic dermatitis, a serious dermatological disorder that can leave your pet’s skin extremely irritated and swollen, is another thing that fleas can do.
The most common endoparasite in pets is the roundworm. Tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms are a few more. Pets often become infected with these parasites by unintentionally ingesting minute parasite eggs from places where other sick animals’ faeces have been present. As an alternative, some parasites can be acquired by ingesting intermediate hosts like fleas or rats (Taenia tapeworm species) (Dipyllidium tapeworm species).
These parasites are zoonotic, which means they can spread from animals to people, and pose a risk to human health. For instance, if a person unintentionally consumes roundworm eggs, the larvae may move throughout the body and harm various organs, with the potential to result in blindness. Hookworm larvae in the grass and soil can infect people’s exposed skin and lead to a condition called.
Another significant endoparasite that is not zoonotic is the heartworm. When infected mosquitoes bite pets, heartworm infections occur. The heartworm’s larvae circulate in the bloodstream until they reach the heart, where they mature into adults. If the adult heartworms are not treated, they will cause gradual heart failure and eventually death since they dwell in the right side of the heart.
Pets with heartworm illness may not show any symptoms in the early stages. In dogs, symptoms may include a cough and an inability to exercise, whereas in cats, symptoms may include vomiting and coughing. Heartworm illness treatment can be both expensive and harmful for the animal.
It’s crucial to maintain your pet on a year-round parasite prevention regimen due to the health danger to your family and other pets. When administered correctly, a number of preventives can significantly lower the likelihood that your pet will contract intestinal parasites, tick-borne illnesses, and heartworm disease. Additionally, you may lessen the chance that a zoonotic disease will infect your family by maintaining good hygiene (regular hand washing), abstaining from eating raw or undercooked meats, and clearing your yard of pet waste. Visit petsandparasites.org to learn more about parasites in pets and to speak with a member of our helpful staff!
Veterinary Services in Centerton, AR
All of the veterinary services that Animal Hospital of Centerton provides are listed here. Call us at any time if you have any inquiries about our services.
Pet Puppy & Kitten Care
Pet Wellness Care
Senior Pet Care
Pet Parasite Control
Pet Dental Care
Pet Diagnostic Care
Pet In-House Laboratory
Pet Surgery & Related Services
Pet Emergency & Urgent Care