As the weather begins to become nicer, it is a great opportunity to go out and enjoy the day with your pet. However, as the flowers bloom, pesky pests are also bound to emerge, and it is important to take your pet’s health into account when spending time outdoors. While fleas and ticks are the most well-known outdoor pests, there are others that you should be aware of and we are here to help keep your pets healthy and safe.
There are many types of parasites that can affect your pet and the side effects of these parasites will depend on the type of parasite and location of the parasite.
Along with these external parasites, there are many intestinal parasites that can cause significant health problems. Intestinal parasites live inside the host animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Examples include roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms and protozoa.
There are many different ways that animals can contract intestinal parasites. They are often transmitted when an animal ingests parasitic eggs in different situations. Some of these threats include contaminated soil, water, feces or food. In the case of tapeworms, they can also be transmitted if an animal ingests an infected flea. Puppies and kittens can also get them from their parents through utero or nursing.
Intestinal parasites can cause many different issues such as malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Besides making our pets sick, many of these parasites can affect people in ways you wouldn’t foresee happening. Nearly 20% of dogs pass toxocara eggs in their stool, which can cause damage to the eyes and if left untreated can lead to vision loss, especially in children.
While external parasites are easier to spot, intestinal parasites are rarely seen because they live inside your pet’s intestinal tract. Tapeworms are one exception, as they shed segments that resemble sesame seeds or grains of rice and are typically seen in your pet’s stool or around his or her rectum. Roundworms are another exception since they may occasionally be seen in your pet’s vomit or stool. If you see any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately so they can diagnose any issues.
It is important to make sure your pet is up to date with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medicine. These medications should be taken monthly and will help to keep your pet from these parasites and the diseases they may carry. Other great preventative methods include checking your pet regularly for any fleas or ticks that they might have encountered from playing outside, and regularly having fecal testing performed to rule out intestinal parasites. An occasional bath with flea shampoo can also offer an added layer of protection from external parasites. For more information on the treatment and prevention of these pests or to schedule an appointment, contact Greystone Animal Hospital today.
As the weather begins to become nicer, it is a great opportunity to go out and enjoy the day with your pet. However, as the flowers bloom, pesky pests are also bound to emerge, and it is important to take your pet’s health into account when spending time outdoors. While fleas and ticks are the most well-known outdoor pests, there are others that you should be aware of and we are here to help keep your pets healthy and safe.
There are many types of parasites that can affect your pet and the side effects of these parasites will depend on the type of parasite and location of the parasite.
Along with these external parasites, there are many intestinal parasites that can cause significant health problems. Intestinal parasites live inside the host animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Examples include roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms and protozoa.
There are many different ways that animals can contract intestinal parasites. They are often transmitted when an animal ingests parasitic eggs in different situations. Some of these threats include contaminated soil, water, feces or food. In the case of tapeworms, they can also be transmitted if an animal ingests an infected flea. Puppies and kittens can also get them from their parents through utero or nursing.
Intestinal parasites can cause many different issues such as malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Besides making our pets sick, many of these parasites can affect people in ways you wouldn’t foresee happening. Nearly 20% of dogs pass toxocara eggs in their stool, which can cause damage to the eyes and if left untreated can lead to vision loss, especially in children.
While external parasites are easier to spot, intestinal parasites are rarely seen because they live inside your pet’s intestinal tract. Tapeworms are one exception, as they shed segments that resemble sesame seeds or grains of rice and are typically seen in your pet’s stool or around his or her rectum. Roundworms are another exception since they may occasionally be seen in your pet’s vomit or stool. If you see any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately so they can diagnose any issues.
It is important to make sure your pet is up to date with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medicine. These medications should be taken monthly and will help to keep your pet from these parasites and the diseases they may carry. Other great preventative methods include checking your pet regularly for any fleas or ticks that they might have encountered from playing outside, and regularly having fecal testing performed to rule out intestinal parasites. An occasional bath with flea shampoo can also offer an added layer of protection from external parasites. For more information on the treatment and prevention of these pests or to schedule an appointment, contact Greystone Animal Hospital today.
Greystone Animal Hospital
1601 Burnwood Dr #7
Burnaby, BC V5A 4H1, CA
Monday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
No appointments temporarily