Parasites are pesky pests that can be a painful nuisance to both you and your pet. Even worse, if left untreated, these nasty critters can become something much more serious.
At Peel Animal Hospital in Brampton, ON, Canada, we understand the frustration. Not only can we treat parasite infestations in our animal hospital but we can also help prevent them. You can rest assured we will quickly diagnose and treat your pets' parasites and do what we can to help them feel better. In the meantime, here's some more information about parasites and your pet.
What Exactly Are Parasites?
The short answer is, parasites are organisms that need a host (your pet) to feed off of and survive, harming your pet in the process.
Internal/Intestinal Parasites
These pests include a variety of worms like tapeworm, hookworm, and heartworm. They can be transmitted to your pet in several ways, including eating grass, soil, or feces containing eggs or larvae as well as other sources, such as from a mosquito bite.
Signs your pet has worms are diarrhea or vomiting, gas, bloating, bloody stool, itching around the rectum, tiredness. Treatment for intestinal parasites typically involves administering oral medication or injection that will kill the worms.
Heartworm is the most serious type of internal parasite as it can damage the heart and lungs and can kill your pet if left untreated. Annual medication is recommended to prevent this type of parasite.
External Parasites
External parasites include parasites such as fleas and ticks. It's usually easy to spot the signs of one of these infestations, which include a lot of scratching and itching. You may also notice a tick by the large lump it leaves on your pet's skin. Fleas typically leave "flea dirt" that can be seen during combing.
Get Parasite Prevention, Flea and Tick Prevention, and Pet Care from a Veterinarian Near You from Our Animal Hospital
If you're looking for a veterinary hospital in the Brampton, ON, Canada area, give us a call. Our friendly and attentive staff will be happy to assist you with any of your pets' health needs. Call us at (905) 799-3121 for parasite prevention, flea and tick prevention, and pet care from a veterinarian near you at our animal hospital.
