While it’s one thing to be aware of the manifold risks of parasites, it’s another to truly understand the gravity of the threats they pose to our beloved pets.
One moment, we could be playing outside with our dog (or snuggling in bed, no matter how brief, as they always seem to escape our hugs), and the other, they’re lethargic or feeling down. Then, they turn out to be sick, stricken by parasites, and eventually refuse to eat. Everything could go south at a moment’s notice, leaving us with little to no time to act. That’s why Boehringer Animal Health Philippines, Inc., a leader in animal health, reminds us to guard our pets from the next parasites as prevention is always better than cure.
To know exactly what we’re dealing with, let’s run down the different parasites that cause all sorts of problems to our furry companions–from simple skin irritations to life-threatening complications.
Seeing your dog suffering from something that eludes your eyes is frustrating. When this happens, they’re most likely dealing with sneaky invaders or internal parasites. These tiny worms wreak havoc inside your dog, which they pick up by ingesting its carrier or its egg from contaminated food or water, as well as surfaces, objects, and other animals’ feces.
Among the most common internal parasites in dogs are heartworms, one of the most notorious internal parasites. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can damage vital organs such as the heart and lungs, which can have fatal repercussions. Then, there are roundworms. These thin and long parasites can cause various digestive issues and even stunt the growth of puppies. If your dog suddenly lacks energy and becomes more prone to illnesses, hookworms may be the cause. They feed on blood and can cause anemia, weight loss, and a weakened immune system. Both roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer from animals to humans.
Other parasites are less subtle in their approach. They attack from the outside as visible villains that cause discomfort and irritation. These external parasites range from fleas, which trigger intense itching and skin infections, to ticks—nasty blood-sucking pests. Meanwhile, mites can cause skin irritation, hair loss, and pesky ear infections.
Since parasites come in all shapes and sizes with various plans of attack, it’s easier to employ a proactive rather than reactive approach in addressing the issue. Keeping these threats at bay remains the greatest option in ensuring our dogs continue to live their best lives.
Truly, the value of regular vet check-ups cannot be overstated. Religiously schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and discuss appropriate prevention strategies. From there, you will learn of the best preventive medications to keep your dogs guarded from the next internal and external parasites.
It’s simple math: Less time nursing a sick dog equals more moments to create quality, precious memories together.
