Posts Tagged: Pet Parasite Prevention

Although heartworm disease is preventable, it continues to put thousands of dogs, cats, and ferrets at serious risk in all 50 states. This is, in part, due to some misconceptions about heartworm prevention, such as the idea that it is only a ‘seasonal worry’, and therefore medications only need to be used during springs and summer.

This risky gamble leaves many pets susceptible to the infection. In fact, here in California, many parasitic diseases are on the rise because of our mild climate, making it possible for these vector-borne illnesses to be transmitted year-round.

The Facts About Heartworm Disease

Dirofilaria immitis, the parasitic worm that is the cause of heartworm disease, is spread through the bite of a mosquito that has acquired this parasite by feeding on an infected animal (typically, other infected dogs or canids like coyotes and foxes). Continue…

At some point in their lives, most of our pets will experience the annoyance of an internal or external parasite. Fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and other parasitic critters are more than just uncomfortable for pets, however. Many of these tiny foes are harbingers of disease, some of which can be passed to humans.

As responsible pet owners, it’s our job to educate ourselves on the dangers of these common parasites and learn how we can protect our four-legged friends, and ourselves. Continue…