Effective Parasite Prevention Tips for Dogs

There are numerous types of parasites that can affect dogs, ranging from those that reside on the skin, within the gastrointestinal tract, to those that inhabit the bloodstream.

Common canine parasites include:

1. Intestinal Parasites

There are many kinds of intestinal parasites that can infect dogs, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and flagellates. Symptoms of infection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. The most common intestinal parasite in dogs is roundworms, which nearly every puppy is born with, as they are passed from the mother to the puppy. Worms are often associated with flea infestations and whipworm infections, which can lead to severe issues. Some worms are visible in feces, like tapeworms and roundworms, while others require microscopic examination of the stool. It's recommended to have your dog's feces tested at least once a year.

2. Fleas

Fleas are skin parasites that feed on the blood of dogs by biting them. Dogs with fleas will constantly scratch their skin, and those allergic to fleas may suffer from hair loss and skin infections. Fleas can also transmit diseases.

3. Ticks

Ticks can attach to dogs and insert their mouthparts into the skin to feed on blood. Ticks can stay attached for several days and can transmit deadly infections, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis, when they feed.

4. Heartworms

Heartworms can potentially cause severe diseases in dogs, including heart failure. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes that carry the larvae. Symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs may include lethargy, loss of appetite, intolerance to exercise, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Preventing Parasite Infections in Dogs

While treatable, preventing parasites is a much more proactive approach. Preventing parasites is crucial for your dog's health, happiness, and comfort.

Here are some tips for preventing parasites:

1. Regular deworming of puppies, annual fecal exams, and treatment based on the results can significantly prevent intestinal parasites. Additionally, many heartworm preventatives can also treat intestinal parasites and prevent fleas. Keeping your yard and doghouse clean and promptly removing feces piles is another method to control parasites.

2. Fleas and ticks can be prevented with certain medications and collars. Flea control products include Program® (lufenuron), Sentinel®, Capstar® nitenpyram, Frontline®, Advantage® Revolution®, and prevally® (all are U.S. brands). Tick prevention medications include Seresto® collar and Bravecto.

3. Preventing heartworm disease is easier than treating lifethreatening heartworm infections.

4. Not all parasitic diseases are preventable, but most are treatable.

Frequency of Parasite Prevention Recommendations

Parasite prevention recommendations can vary throughout the year depending on your region and the local climate.

In the past decade, there have been many changes in the science of parasite prevention. A few years ago, in the central and western regions of the United States, the recommendation was to give your dog preventative medication from March to December, with a break during the winter. However, since dogs can be both indoor and outdoor pets, fleas can survive in houses during winter, while ticks can survive in cold weather. The current recommendation is to control parasites yearround. If you have questions about recommendations in your area, consult with your veterinarian.

How to Avoid Your Dog Getting Parasites: You can take certain steps to prevent parasites from infecting your dog. The main preventive method is to provide your dog with monthly preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. If you live in a highrisk area, getting your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease can also be helpful. Be vigilant about monitoring for fleas and ticks during daily interactions with your pet.