{"id":1577,"date":"2016-04-14T20:56:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-15T00:56:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=1577"},"modified":"2018-07-27T13:17:11","modified_gmt":"2018-07-27T17:17:11","slug":"pet-parasite-prevention-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/pet-parasite-prevention-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Parasite Prevention 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DogDogs and cats are susceptible to a number of internal and external parasites, some of which are capable of being passed to humans. Year-round, monthly parasite prevention is not only a vital component of your pet\u2019s overall health and wellbeing, it\u2019s important for your family\u2019s health as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet Parasite Prevention<\/b><\/h3>\n

Parasites are more than just annoying. Many carry pathogens that can put our pets at risk for dangerous illnesses. By following your veterinarian\u2019s recommendations for monthly parasite preventive medications, you will be protecting your pet from these tiny foes:<\/span><\/p>\n

Fleas <\/b>\u2013 If you spot one flea, you can be sure there are many, many more you have not seen. Fleas are easily passed from one pet to another, or to household furnishings, and can also affect the human members of the family. Besides being carriers of disease, and the frequent cause of pet allergies, fleas can make your pet extremely uncomfortable. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ticks <\/b>\u2013 Besides being just plain gross, <\/span>ticks<\/span><\/a> can transmit some seriously scary diseases to your pet, and to you, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. Tick prevalence in Michigan is rising and we\u2019re seeing plenty of ticks here in the Greater Detroit area already.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heartworm <\/b>\u2013 <\/span>Heartworm<\/span><\/a> is an especially dangerous parasite transmitted to pets via mosquitoes. This devastating disease is extremely expensive and difficult to treat in dogs, and is almost always fatal in cats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intestinal parasites <\/b>\u2013 Intestinal parasites such as hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm are easily picked up by our pets from feces, soil, and contact with infected animals. Many of these parasites can also be passed from pets to people. Thankfully, most monthly heartworm medications also include compounds to treat and prevent these common intestinal enemies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Importance Of Year-Round Prevention<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even though our winters are frigid here in Michigan, year-round pet parasite prevention is of vital importance. It only takes a day or two of temperatures above 50 degrees for mosquito eggs to hatch, and fleas can lie dormant all winter to awake as winter thaws. Fleas can be carried into your house not only on your pet but on your own shoes, then thrive in the warm temperatures inside our homes. Pests of all kinds can also be brought to Michigan via tourism at any time during the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Else Can You Do To Protect Your Pets?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Besides a monthly parasite preventive, there are a variety of ways you can help to keep your pets safe and healthy:<\/span><\/p>\n