Like any other animal, cats and dogs are susceptible to infection by parasites, fleas, ticks, and worms. Once these pests infest a host, they can spread to the other areas of the body and cause damage to vital organs. To prevent severe organ failure or fatality from an infection, you will need to get your pet examined by a local veterinarian.
If your pet is displaying symptoms such as sluggish behavior, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or a lack of appetite, then he or she may be dealing with a serious parasitic infection. If you live in Bastrop, Cedar Creek, or the surrounding areas and are concerned about parasites infesting your furry friend, contact Highway 71 Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ohlen.
How Does a Dog Get Fleas?
The flea is a common pest to deal with. Many of these insects like to jump from host to host and infect a pet's blood supply. While this parasite is a mild irritation at most, a flea infestation can transmit dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases to your pet. Fleas like to travel during the warmer months and they are attracted to moist and shady environments. To prevent the likelihood of a flea infestation, it is recommended to de-humidify your home and constantly clean your pet's bedding and your furniture.
How Do Ticks Affect Dogs?
Ticks are very similar to fleas, acting as a disease-carrying parasite that feeds on your pet's blood. A tick infestation can leave irritating bites in the form of red marks on the animal's skin. When left untreated, a tick infestation can result in tickborne diseases, fever, chills, aches, pains, and rashes for the pet. To prevent tick-borne illness, you will need to take your pet to the vet's office to remove the ticks.
Signs of Heartworm and Roundworms
Heartworm disease is a particularly dangerous parasitic infection that spreads throughout the cardiovascular system, resulting in damage to the heart and lungs. There is also a type of intestinal parasite that can cause severe digestive problems in your pet. In roundworm infections, the roundworm can spread dangerous diseases such as ascariasis or hookworm disease. It will take careful veterinary care to prevent or remove these parasitic intruders.
Contact Our Veterinarian for Parasite Prevention and Treatment
If you are a pet owner in the Cedar Creek or Bastrop areas and your furry friend isn’t on a form of parasite prevention, contact Highway 71 Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ohlen. We are here to help keep your dog or cat protected from these pests for years to come. Call our team today at (512) 303-5444 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.