Dog Parasites: Understanding Pet Pests

Some of the most dangerous pests to your canine pal are dog parasites. These horrible pests can go unnoticed until they are already affecting your pet. Your vet can prescribe a medication to protect against some parasites, but not all. Today, we are looking at common dog parasites living in your yard.

To your dog, your yard is the ultimate playground. After all, it has you and plenty of toys. Unfortunately, your yard also has parasites lurking in the grass. What steps do you take to protect your furry friend? Do you treat your lawn? Does your dog take a multi-action pill to prevent infections from parasites? Let’s break down what pests live in your yard and what you can do to prevent them.

If a home or business located in the Polk County, FL area needs pest control services, contact us today. We’re always happy to help!

Common Parasites

Think of all the dangerous parasites your vet warns you about. Heart worms. Intestinal worms. Fleas and Ticks. Parvo. Each one can be extremely harmful or even deadly to your pet. They all live outside or in your yard. Some can remain there permanently. What can you do about it? First, educate yourself. Then, take action to protect your pet.

1. Heart Worms

Heart worms can be deadly if a dog contracts them. These dog parasites can be spread from dog to dog, or contracted through mosquito bites. Heart worms travel through the blood stream until they find their way to the heart. The worms anchor themselves in the cavities of the heart. As they grow, heart worms restrict the pumping of the heart causing a lack of blood to enter into each cavity. Dogs who have heart worms can exhibit symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, labored breathing, and lack of play. Luckily, heart worms are preventable through a monthly anti-parasitic drug from your vet.

2. Intestinal Parasites

An article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists eight different parasites that could affect your pet. Dog parasites are numerous and this list not exhaustive. However, intestinal parasites have certain similarities. Each one anchors itself in a dog’s GI tract. The most common symptoms of a parasitic infection are diarrhea, lack of appetite, loss of weight, and lethargy. Many of these parasites can be prevented with a monthly pill, but it depends on the medicine. Talk to your vet for more information.

3. Fleas and Ticks

Flea and ticks can be very difficult to prevent. These dog parasites are active nearly year-round in Florida. Fleas and ticks carry parasites like tape worms or diseases like Lyme disease. Even if your pet takes medicine as a flea preventative, fleas can still hitch-hike their way around. If they find their way in your home, you may never fully have them removed from your carpet. That’s where we come in.

To help prevent a flea infestation of the home, keep your pets and floors clean. But, if fleas are already an issue then it’s time to call a company for safe treatment options for your family and pets. After you have you made the call for expert pest control, you can find a list on what you should do before and after their visit here.