One of the most common problems in veterinary medicine is the presence of parasites in our pets. There are many types of parasites, both external and internal. Some cause minimal symptoms, while others can be severe.
In Northern California, fleas are a major year-round parasite. Dogs and cats can be infected with bacteria and tapeworms as a result of flea infestation. Some animals are very allergic to the presence and feeding of fleas, which causes intense itching and discomfort, as well as secondary skin infections. Once a flea population is in the environment (inside or outside the home) it can be frustrating and expensive to eliminate the problem. Fleas are also left in the environment by opossums, raccoons and mice. Though the risk is low, people can become infected with tapeworms by accidentally swallowing a flea (particularly children).
Ticks can be a problem in animals that spend time outdoors, particularly in areas of dense vegetation. Dogs are affected more than cats. Ticks transmit several bacterial diseases (such as Lyme and Ehrlichia) that cause problems with joints and internal organs. Some infections are severe while others are subtle. The body of the tick itself causes problems if they attach around the eyes or in the ears. People can be infected with these bacterial diseases as well. Ticks can be brought into the home environment on a pet and find their way on to people.
Mosquitoes spread heartworm disease when they feed on an infected dog, then feed on another dog. Heartworm disease is much more common in dogs than cats, but is deadlier in cats. This parasite causes damage to the heart, lungs, kidney and liver. Treatment for heartworm disease is expensive, but thankfully your veterinarian can prescribe products that are nearly 100% effective at preventing infection. Heartworm disease is not generally considered a risk to humans.
Intestinal parasites are common in this area with roundworms, tapeworms, giardia and coccidian infections seen most frequently. Symptoms include diarrhea and weight loss. While there is no single preventive for giardia or coccidian, treatments are available through your veterinarian. These parasites can be present with no symptoms in your pet. Because roundworm eggs are shed in the feces of an infected animal the environment can quickly become contaminated. Not only are these parasites passed from pet to pet, people (particularly children since they put many objects in their mouths) can become infected through ingesting contaminated soil, plans, or sand, as they play outside.
Thankfully, your veterinarian can prescribe any of a variety of products to prevent parasitic infections in you pet, and reduce the risk to your family. Many heartworm preventives, which are given on a monthly basis, also prevent roundworm infection. There are several products that are extremely effective a preventing flea infestations and tick-borne diseases. Yearly testing for several of these parasites is recommended even if a pet is on a preventive program. Consult with your veterinarian today if your pet is not on parasite prevention.
To learn more about pet parasites and the risks to humans (called zoonotic potential), reliable information can be found on these websites:
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
American Heartworm Society (www.heartwormsociety.org)
Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.capcvet.org)
Dr. Keith Farquhar @VCA Highlands Animal Hospital3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, Ca 916-332-2845