Our dogs and cats are more than just pets. They’re members of our families and just like any other family member; they need to be kept healthy and free of pet parasites. The truth is that our pets can easily become infected with internal and external parasites which can cause irritation and even life-threatening conditions if left untreated. The worst things about pet parasites is that they can cause disease in humans too. Need some info on parasites? Here’s a quick look at the basics:
FAQ about pet parasites
Is my family at risk if my dog has ticks and fleas?
Yes! Fleas and ticks carry and can transmit a variety of illnesses to humans. Rickettsiosis is directly transferred by ticks. Bartonellosis is transmitted from fleas to cats and then passed on to humans. Fleas are also hosts to tapeworms, which affects humans and their pets.
What kind of internal pet parasites should I be aware of?
There are a lot of intestinal worms that can infect cats and dogs. These include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. One worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs PER DAY! These are passed in the pet’s faeces and spreads throughout the area where the pet roams. Once they’re in an environment, some of these eggs can stay infective and pose health risks to humans and animals for years.
Can my dog’s intestinal worms affect my family?
Dogs are most commonly infected with roundworms, and it’s also the parasite that’s most commonly transmitted to humans. If one of the eggs accidentally end up in your system, they’ll hatch in your intestinal tract and travel to various tissues in the body including the eyes and brain.
How can I reduce the risks for my family?
To reduce the health risks that pet parasites pose to your family, you need to eliminate the problem and practice good personal hygiene. Responsible parasite control reduces the risks associated with the transmission of parasitic diseases between pets and people. Here are some tips to follow:
- Use preventative flea or tick treatments year-round
- Never feed your pets raw meat
- Minimize exposure to high-traffic pet areas
- Always clean up your dog’s poop
- Visit your vet for annual testing and physical exams
- Give your dog deworming medications regularly
