Help for Parasites

There is no single treatment that will kill all parasites, but there are a number of different products that will help keep parasites in check and treat any infestations. Remember that prevention is the key and all pets should be on some form of preventative treatment to keep parasites away.

Conventional Treatments

There are a number of products such as Frontline Plus, Revolution, and Advantage that will help to keep your pet free from external parasites like ticks and fleas. Make sure you use only trusted products as harsh chemicals may be harmful to your pet. Conventional treatments for internal parasites vary depending on what parasite your pet has. There is no single “de-wormer” that can kill all worm-types and caution should always be taken when administering these medications to your pet.

Over-the counter de-wormers are generally less effective and more dangerous than veterinarian prescribed de-wormers, however even prescription de-wormers have the potential to cause unwanted side-effects and dangerous interactions with other medication. While treating and preventing internal parasites is important, make sure you know the facts and alternatives before giving our pet any new medication.

Natural Remedies  Read more... (527 words, 2 images, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

What are Parasites?

A parasite is an organism that gets its nourishment by feeding either on or within another animal and it is fairly common for our pets to become the unhappy hosts to a number of unwanted organisms. Parasites can be broken down into two main groups, the external parasites such as ticks, fleas, and ear mites, and the internal parasites such as worms which live inside the body and can affect a number of organs. Examples of internal parasites include heartworm, roundworm, and tapeworm.

External parasites, especially fleas are a worrisome problem for pet owners and their pets alike. Getting rid of fleas is no easy task, and sensitive pets may even develop an allergy to flea bites resulting in a condition called flea-bite dermatitis. Other parasites such as mange and ticks can be incredibly harmful to our beloved pets, but the good news is that most external parasites can be avoided to a certain extent with preventative treatments and thorough grooming.  Read more... (667 words, 2 images, estimated 2:40 mins reading time)

External parasites and their treatments

WHAT IS A PARASITE?

External parasites are pretty common among dogs. A parasite is an organism that lives off the resources your dog has to offer: namely, fresh blood (which most parasites drink) and a warm place to stay (in and on the skin and fur).

What are the common parasites that might affect my dog?

There are a wide range of parasites that affect dogs:

- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mites
- Lice

All of these parasites cause adverse reactions in your dog: typically, itching and inflamed skin, a dull coat, and bald spots. In advanced cases, your dog may develop anemia (blood loss) and become generally debilitated (particularly if he or she is very young, very old, or suffering from another condition).

In addition to this, many parasites convey secondary and internal parasites to your dog – for example, fleas usually carry the common tapeworm (which causes constipation and flatulence), and ticks can cause a variety of much more serious problems like Lyme’s disease and paralysis.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about fleas including what they are, how to tell if your dog’s affected, and how to get rid of them.  Read more... (1256 words, 4 images, estimated 5:01 mins reading time)