The word "parasite" comes from the Greek word parasitos which
means "one who eats from another's table." A parasite cannot live
independently. It is obligated, by its very nature, to obtain its
nourishment from another living organism. The organism from which
it obtains its nourishment is called the host. The parasite itself,
the organ it must inhabit, and the age, general health and
nutritional status of the host are all involved in determining the
degree of damage that a parasite will inflict. Not all parasites
cause serious damage to the host and almost all living organisms
will, at some time or another, be the host to a parasite. (When was
the last time you were bitten by a mosquito? Mosquitoes are
parasites as they must obtain their nutrition (blood) from another
living organism.)
Parasites come in many sizes and shapes --- from the very small
virus to those that are easily seen --- such as the flea or tick.
There are parasites that spend their entire life cycle on the
outside of a host (external parasites or ectoparasites). Others
spend their lives inside the host (internal parasites or
endoparasites). Skin, intestines, heart, kidney, blood cells and
lungs are common sites for parasites to inhabit.
Our intent is to familiarize you with a few of the most common
parasites with which your pet may become infected and to share with
you some of the more serious problems that may be encountered.
Internal parasites commonly infect pet dogs and cats. Some of
these parasites can cause serious problems for pets-even death.
Some can be transmitted to humans. (zoonosis) In spite of these
dangers, most internal parasites can be easily controlled or
prevented.
A veterinarian can examine your pet for parasites. A fecal
exam checks for microscopic parasite eggs or protozoan
parasites. A heartworm test is a blood test that checks
for infective heartworm microfilaria and/or antigens shed by adult
female heartworms.
The most commonly seen internal parasites of the large and small
intestine of dogs and cats are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms,
and whipworms.
Other GI parasites include stomach worms,intestinal thread
worms, coccidia, and Giardia. Heartworm disease is,
unfortunately also quite common.
Heartworms inhabit the lungs, heart, and blood vessels of dogs
and cats.
Urinary parasites are uncommon.
Fleas and ticks are sneaky little bugs. They invite themselves
onto your pet and thus, into your home. They can cause harm to your
pet and possibly transmit diseases to you. Understanding
fleas and ticks, how they affect your pet's health, and what to do
about them, will help you address a current flea or tick problem
and prevent a future one.
Click
here to read more on the effects of Fleas and Ticks.
Flea Life Cycle
Tick Life Cycle
External Parasite Protection
There are several products on the market for your pets claiming
to kill fleas and/or ticks. We, at Care-Pets, recommend
Frontline Plus, Revolution and
Comfortis for monthly flea and/or tick
control. Capstar can be used to "boost" the
monthly control products.
Frontline Plus is a monthly topical available for cats and dogs.
It kills adult fleas, fleas in larval stages and the newly hatched
fleas as they emerge from their cocoons.
Revolution is a monthly topical available for cats and dogs. It
contains heartworm preventative, intestinal parasite protection,
medication to kill ear mites (in cats) and sarcoptic mange (in
dogs), all in addition to killing fleas.
Comfortis is a once monthly oral tablet available for dogs only.
It starts to kill adult fleas within 30 minutes of ingesting the
medication.
Capstar is also available for cats and dogs. Capstar is a tablet
that will kill adult fleas that are on the pet for 24 hours. This
can be safely used in conjunction with any of the topicals to
"boost" flea control.
When deciding on a flea and tick control product, be aware of
the label. Make sure you are not buying a dog product for a cat.
Some "OTC" (over the counter) dog products contain
permethrins. These products are highly
toxic to cats and can be potentially lethal.
It is a good idea to have your pets examined prior to starting a
flea control protocol, whether that protocol is with a product
purchased from your veterinarian or an OTC product.