224 Mill Valley Road

Belchertown, Massachusetts 01007

Phone: 413-323-9201       

MILL VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC 

News and Information to Benefit You and Your Pet

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Parasites 

An overview for you and your pet

When it comes to parasites, prevention is key.  We hope this newsletter answers some of your questions about parasites and provides information that helps keep you and your pet healthy.

INTERNAL PARASITES

Heartworm – Heartworm is a parasite that is transmitted to dogs and cats by mosquitoes.

The mosquito infects your pet when it takes a blood meal from them. The adult worms grow in the heart and cause heart and lung disease if not treated. Both dogs and cats are susceptible to heartworm but cats are more resistant to infection. To prevent heartworm have your pet tested regularly and put them on a monthly preventive medication from May to December. You may wish to keep your pet on heartworm preventive year round as many heartworm products also control intestinal parasites.  If your dog does become infected with heartworm there is a treatment available but it is expensive and hard on your pet. There is no treatment currently available for cats.

Intestinal Worms - Intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.

 Intestinal parasites are everywhere in the environment.  Infective eggs can survive in the soil for years.  Puppies and kittens are often infected for their mothers.  Your cat can also pick up parasites from mice and other wild animals when they hunt.  Intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea, weight loss and vomiting.  Roundworms and hookworms can also be transmitted to people.  The CDC recommends deworming your pets on a regular basis to help keep them healthy and to prevent transmission of parasites to people.  Many of the medications used to prevent heartworm will also help with intestinal parasite prevention.

Steps to prevent internal parasites:

·        Deworm puppies and kittens frequently

·        Keep your pet on a preventive program

·        Bring in a fecal sample from your pet to your veterinarian regularly

·        Keep lawns, play areas, gardens free of animal waste

·        Avoid contaminated soil and keep sandboxes covered

·        Bag and dispose of pet feces

·        Obey leash laws

·        Wash your hands, especially after playing with your pets or gardening

·        Keep your cat indoors to prevent it from picking up parasites

EXTERNAL PARASITES

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas can be picked up year round but are especially active in our area in the summer and fall.  Only the adult fleas will be found on your pet—the eggs and larvae are in the environment.  Just 10 fleas can become hundreds of thousands in just 30 days.  Fleas cause skin discomfort and itching in your pets and can also transmit tapeworms.  Flea allergies are common in dogs.  You may see live fleas on your pet or only see “flea dirt” which is actually flea feces with digested blood in it.  Flea dirt will appear as a dark brown or black granular substance on the skin.  While some pets in the household may be more severely affected, it is important to treat all animals in the household to effectively treat the problem.

Ticks can be picked up almost year round.  When it is very cold (below 32 degrees) and snowy, the ticks are less active; but with “winter thaws” they will become active again.  Ticks are especially a problem in our area in the spring and fall.  Ticks can transmit many diseases to your pet such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.

We recommend a monthly preventive topical medication to prevent infestation with fleas and ticks.  Household treatment may also be needed if a severe infestation is present.  WARNING: DO NOT USE ANY PRODUCT ON A CAT THAT IS NOT LABELED FOR CATS SPECIFICALLY.  Many “dog only” products will cause a severe reaction or even DEATH in a cat!

Ear Mites and Sarcoptic Mange

Ear mites are most frequently seen in cats but are occasionally found in dogs.  They are transmitted by contact with an infected animal.  The mites cause severe itching in the ears and a discharge.  A topical medication can be prescribed to treat ear mites after diagnosis.

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite that is carried by wild animals such as foxes and coyotes.  Your pet will have severe generalized itching and hair loss.  People are also susceptible to sarcoptic mange and can get it from their pets.  A topical medication can be prescribed to treat mange after diagnosis.