How Do Fleas and Ticks Impact Cats and Dogs?
When your pet spends time outdoors, they risk infection from external parasites like fleas and ticks, which can lead to allergies, itching, hair loss, and serious diseases like Lyme disease. Country Oaks Animal Hospital offers treatments to relieve these infestations. Some topical or oral treatment products contain flea adulticides, which are compounds to kill adult fleas on pets or flea growth inhibitors to prevent immature fleas on your pet from growing into adults. When used in combination with other flea control products like Capstar, an over the counter oral tablet for flea relief, flea adulticides may remain effective between doses of prevention. Capstar offers quick and effective flea control for dogs and cats, however it is not recommended as a primary method of flea control.
The Dangers of Intestinal Parasites and Heartworms for Pets
Your pet can be exposed to intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, or tapeworms both outdoors and indoors, as these parasites may be unknowingly brought inside your home on your shoes or clothing. If your pet accidentally ingests an intestinal parasite or its eggs by consuming contaminated food or water, you might notice symptoms including loose or bloody stool, diarrhea, weight loss or the inability to gain weight, a dull coat, or visible worms in your pet’s feces. Heartworms are primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and may not immediately cause visible symptoms in your pet. As the infection develops into heartworm disease, you may notice coughing, weight loss, or a lack of appetite in your pet. Rest assured, the team at Country Oaks Animal Hospital is equipped to help prevent and treat intestinal parasites and heartworms.
