Orange Park Animal Hospital

Parasite Testing and Ways to Protect Your Pet from Parasites

Parasite prevention is extremely important for your pets’ health and well-being. Parasites are dangerous – they can cause many problems and undermine your pet’s health. Since contracting parasites can happen to any pet, it is important to take special preventive measures to protect your pet. Pet owners in and around Jacksonville, Florida, can visit Orange Park Animal Hospital for parasite testing and control treatment.

What Are Parasites?

Parasites are organisms living on or inside pets and derive nutrients from them, which causes pain, discomfort, and debilitation. Some parasites (like worms) are even dangerous to people because they can be transferred from animals to humans. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to protect your pet from parasites and keep your cat or dog healthy.

Symptoms Of Parasite Infestation

The most common signs of parasite infestation include loss of appetite, lethargy, pale gums affected by blood loss, and others. There may be other symptoms, such as:

Skin irritation
Presence of worms or their eggs in feces
Diarrhea, gas, vomiting, and nausea
Sometimes, a pet does not develop any symptoms, which means that you should take your pet to the vet for screening regularly.

How To Protect Your Pet from Parasites

Here is a list of things you should do to prevent your pet from parasites:

Deworming. Many puppies go through a deworming when they are still puppies. It could be an oral medication or injection.
Regular checkups. It is important to take your pet to the vet at least once a year. There are many parasites that you can find in a stool sample.
Routine prevention. You can use a monthly parasite control product approved by your vet. There are also special injections that are given to prevent worm infestation in your pets.
Clean environment. One of the best ways to prevent your pet from parasites is not to let them eat wild animals and to keep your pet away from contaminated places, including dumpsters. You should always maintain a clean environment for your pet.