Protecting Household Pets from Parasites

Written by April Reinhardt (last updated May 1, 2012)

When a pet owner thinks of parasites in relation to their pet, most typically think of external parasites such as fleas and ticks, since they can actually see them on their pet. Yet, the parasites that are the most destructive to your pet's health are the ones that you cannot see—internal parasites. Some internal parasites include hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, roundworm, and heartworm.

What can you do to protect your household pets from parasites? Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Rid your pet of external parasites by washing them with flea and tick preparations.
  • Remove the fleas and ticks manually.
  • Regularly clean your pet's bedding.
  • Keep your home clean and neat, making it less hospitable to parasites.
  • Use powders, dips, sprays, collars, and prescriptions according to your vet's directions to fend off parasite attacks.
  • Take your pet to the vet regularly for checkups and discuss any concerns. If you pet eats well, yet loses weight, vomits, or has diarrhea, those may be symptoms of internal parasites.
  • Have your vet administer monthly heartworm treatments to your pet.
  • Have your vet examine your pet's fecal samples for internal parasites every year.
  • Keep your pet inside, and away from stray animals.
  • Never feed your pet raw meat.
  • Do not allow your pet to eat rodents or birds, since they may contain parasites.

If you decide to treat your pet with over-the-counter wormers, make sure that you follow the direction label on the product, and make certain that you tell your vet of the medicines you have administered to your pet. Overmedicating your pet—or worming too often, with several different products—can prove fatal.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Removing Dirt and Mud from Clothing

The number one rule when trying to clean mud or dirt from fabric is to allow it to dry before attempting to clean the ...

Discover More

Low Water Lawns

If you you're wasting water and time watering your lawn, consider replacing it with a low water lawn. By replacing your ...

Discover More

Using Aromatherapy in Home Decor

If you use candles, tart burners, infused oils, or fresh baked goods to make your home smell good, whether you realize it ...

Discover More

Keep Mice Away! Rodent Defense Mice Repellent is a must-have tool for eliminating or preventing mice. All-natural ingredients are nontoxic and can be used safely around children and pets. Create a barrier to mice around your home! Check out Rodent Defense Mice Repellent today!

More Pest Tips

Identifying Heartworm in Your Animals

Heartworm is common in pets in the United States. The best way to treat it is by using preventative medicine.

Discover More

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Have you noticed how it seems like you can't turn on the news, open a magazine, or listen to the radio without hearing ...

Discover More

What are Bed Bugs?

If you have been listening to the news at all recently, it seems like there isn't a day that goes by without hearing ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 8 - 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)