How to keep your pooch parasite free
Your guide to getting rid of pesty creepy-crawlies on your pet.
Fleas and other parasites are a pet owner's worst fear. Not only do these little pests affect your pets, but they can also become a burden to your entire home.
According to Health24, 95% of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in beds, rugs, carpets and sofas – not on your pet. So, while your dog might not be showing the tell-tale signs of flea bites, your whole family can be affected by the parasites.
We searched far and wide to find solutions on how to get rid of fleas, ticks and other parasites once and for all. But on our journey, we couldn’t help but why wonder: What are these little creepy-crawlies and why are they so bad for our beloved pets?
What are parasites?
By definition, a parasite is any organism that lives in or on another living creature and benefits by deriving nutrients from its host at their expense. The most common way of categorising the parasites commonly found on pets are whether they’re living on the pet (ectoparasites) or in the pet (endoparasites).
Ectoparasites live on the surface of a pet’s skin and feed from their blood. In South Africa, common ectoparasites include fleas, ticks and mites. Unfortunately, it’s hard to prevent your pet from getting in contact with these little bugs as they can pick them up wherever an infestation exists.
Endoparasites live inside a pet; more commonly in their intestines. In South Africa, dogs and cats are largely at risk of picking up worms like tapeworms and roundworms. Fortunately, pet owners can easily combat these infestations through deworming - a process that involves destroying internal parasitic worms and preventing future infestations.
Why are parasites bad for pets?
Besides causing your pet discomfort and putting them at risk of serious illnesses, parasitic infestations are harmful because they can develop in people too. According to qualified veterinarian Dr Michelle Enslin, children, in particular, are more susceptible to picking up these parasites.
Some parasites, like ticks and fleas, are also carriers of bacteria, which can be severe both for the animals and for humans. The most common diseases transmitted by fleas, for example, are the Bubonic plague and flea-borne typhus in humans and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in dogs and cats.
How can you get rid of parasites?
The most effective way to protect your pets from parasitic diseases is by the regular use of parasiticides. According to Boehringer Ingelheim, this is not only true for ectoparasites like fleas or ticks that are present on the animals’ body surface, but also for endoparasites, present inside the pet’s body.
For controlling both internal and external parasites in dogs, NexGard SPECTRA is a great option for a complete parasite protection treatment. It comes in the form of a highly palatable beef-flavoured chew that not only kills adult fleas and ticks, but also prevents infestations of the most common parasitic worms in dogs. To be effective, this tasty and tactical treat should be administered to your dog every 30 days.
For deworming cats, products like BROADLINE can treat and control three of the most common intestinal parasites in cats - hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Dr Michelle Enslin says that while it’s recommended to deworm your cat every three months, you may even need to increase it to monthly depending on your cat’s lifestyle.
With these remedies, your pets will be parasite-free in no time.
Built with Shorthand