Most pet owners are aware of the dangers associated with common external parasites, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. While vigilance should continue on this front, there are some other bugs that carry a similar punch to pet welfare. This spring, pet owners can lean into safeguarding their pet’s health while reducing the effects of other, lesser-known parasites.
Parasite Prevention Medication
Depending on a pet’s species, age, weight, lifestyle, and medical history, a unique approach is necessary to prevent problems related to parasites. Fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are the largest, most common threats, but internal parasites like whipworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms can be taken out with a pet’s routine parasite prevention medication as well.
Lungworm in pets is caused by one of several parasitic roundworms. Eating infected larvae is the most common means of transmission. Symptoms range and the presence of lungworm is sometimes only discovered as an incidental finding on other tests.
Rare Parasites in Pets
Fortunately, incidents involving the following parasites are considered rare:
- Capillariasis
- Linguatulosis
- Liver fluke
Typically caused by eating raw or undercooked fish or other animals infected with these parasites, infections can range from mild to severe. Medications may be required as well as veterinary monitoring.
Botflies in Pets
A type of botfly known as Cuterebra can embed their larvae in a pet’s skin, eyes, respiratory tract, or central nervous system, but they can also be picked up from the ground. There are over 30 types of Cuterebra in the U.S. In their larval stage, they are often called warbles or wolf worms. Luckily, pets that are up to date with heartworm prevention medication are less likely to become infected with botflies.
Other Spring Pet Parasites
The following organisms can be found in water sources. While some conditions can be prevented with vaccinations and/or parasite prevention medications, proper care should be taken regarding a pet’s exposure to certain waterways:
- Leptospirosis
- Giardiasis
- Blue/green algae
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Schistosomiasis
- Pseudomonas
While symptoms can include GI disruption and upset, dehydration, ear infections, respiratory failure, and neurological conditions can stem from these water-borne parasites.
Spring Nuisances
Lurking in plain sight, the following bugs are perceived as equal threats to humans:
- Spiders
- Bees and wasps
- Ants
- Bed bugs
While the above might not seem menacing, they can bite and sting the pets that play with and/or eat them. Similarly, monarch butterflies, in their caterpillar form, can be toxic on account of the poisonous milkweed plant they feed on. Other caterpillars can inject venom during an attack.
Cockroaches are not just gross, they can carry parasites that easily spread to those that eat them. While not parasitic, fireflies, or lighting bugs, carry a toxin that makes them glow. Eating this toxin can lead to stomach upset and even death.
We Are Here to Help!
Whether a pet is on a twice-yearly injection, a monthly oral medication, or a topical aid, Brownswitch Pet Hospital is dedicated to protecting a pet’s well-being through disease prevention. Please call us at (985) 646‑2025 with any questions or concerns.