Springtime Pet Deworming Battle: A Comprehensive Guide

Internal parasites that may infest pets include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, heartworms, and more. These parasites can infect pets at any time of the year, so pet owners should regularly schedule deworming treatments.

External parasites, on the other hand, include fleas, lice, ticks, and mites, which are more prevalent during the spring due to weather conditions.

The three most common external parasites are fleas, ticks, and lice:

Fleas These are a common concern for both pets and humans, often found almost anywhere!

The most common type of flea found on cats and dogs is elusive, appearing and disappearing without a trace. Flea larvae often hide in floor cracks and under carpets, but once they mature, they'll move onto pets and humans to feed on blood. They can also transmit viruses and bacteria. Fleas are equipped with spines all over their bodies, making them impossible to remove simply by bathing or grooming; professional insecticides are necessary to eliminate them.

Lice These are also shared between pets and humans, causing intense itching!

Similar to fleas, lice survive by feeding on blood. While less common than fleas on cats and dogs, a bite from a louse can cause severe itching. If humans are infested with lice, scratching can lead to wound breakdown and potential infection with various pathogens.

Ticks These are shared between pets and humans, and are notorious bloodsuckers!

As larvae, ticks prefer to live in grassy areas, so it's especially easy for dogs to pick them up during spring outings. Ticks are bloodsuckers that prefer to bite on hardtoreach areas like ears and armpits, and once they latch on, they will continue to feed until they grow from a peasized to a fingernailsized creature. Their dangers are significant, with some cats and dogs even suffering from malnutrition and death due to tick feeding.

Mites These are shared between pets and humans, and come in many varieties!

Mites are a tiny group within the family of external parasites, with most not exceeding a millimeter in length and requiring a microscope to be seen. Despite their small size, they can cause significant harm. Common types include scabies mites, demodex mites, dust mites, and ear mites, most of which can infect humans and lead to allergic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and more.

It's clear that almost all common external parasites are zoonotic, meaning deworming is not just for pets; it's a family affair.

Some pet owners ask, "My cat never goes outside; do I still need to deworm?"

No, you don't! Even if your cat stays indoors, you, as the pet owner, go outside every day. Just by stepping outside, you could bring home worm eggs, which could then be transmitted to your cat.

So, even indoor cats can be at risk of parasitic infections and should still be dewormed.

What symptoms indicate that a pet needs deworming?

Spring is a prime season for deworming, so it's recommended to deworm at least once a month and keep deworming products on hand.

If you notice that your pet is:

Constantly scratching or itching, especially around the ears

Developing red, swollen, and hairless skin

Sneezing frequently

Having black, grainlike particles in their fur

These symptoms suggest that your pet may be infested with parasites, and deworming is essential.