We all adore our pets as owners, but do you know that parasites are actually a serious health threat to them? Parasites can be problematic for pets in so many ways, ranging from skin irritation to serious issues such as digestive issues and general discomfort. Let’s explore why deworming is so important for pets so that we can keep their health in check and make sure they live long, healthy, and happy lives. We’ve listed three major reasons why we should deworm our pets:
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
External and internal parasites can severely damage the health of your pet. External parasites, such as fleas, can bring about skin irritation, redness, and itching, while internal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, can cause diseases like diarrhea and malnourishment. Through frequent deworming, we can avoid these diseases and maintain our pets’ good health.
Preventing Parasite Transmission
A few parasites are zoonotic, which means that they can be transmitted from a pet to the human or even to another animal. Roundworms and Toxoplasma, for instance, can be transmitted via contact, toys, or even food. Deworming your pet regularly minimizes the risk of transmission of such parasites and keeps the whole household safe—both pets and humans.
Improving Your Pet’s Quality of Life
Infested pets with parasites can experience a range of symptoms such as itching, gastrointestinal distress, and lethargy. These symptoms can impact their quality of life. By deworming our pets regularly to get rid of parasites, we can make them feel better, which results in a happier and more energetic friend.
How to Deworm Your Pet
When deworming, it’s important to know what to do. Follow this easy guide to ensure a pleasant and efficient process. Keep in mind, your pet must be at least 6 weeks old to begin deworming medicine to prevent skin irritation.
Consulting with a Veterinarian
Before initiating any deworming program, it’s always better to approach your vet. They can assess the age, weight, and general health of your pet and advise the best deworming schedule and medication for your pet.
Choosing the Right Medication
There are several deworming medications on the market, but it is determined by the kind of parasites your pet is infested with. External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can be dewormed with topical medications in the form of drops or sprays. Internal parasites may have oral medications or specific treatments, as advised by your vet. Always consult your vet on the selection and application of deworming products.
Preparing Your Pet
Prior to administering any medication, ensure your pet is comfortable and calm. In addition, make sure their coat is clean to enable the medication to be absorbed properly. This preparation ensures maximum effectiveness of the deworming medication.
Giving the Medication
For external deworming, simply apply the medication on the skin at the nape of your pet’s neck and along the spine, according to the directions. Avoid washing your pet immediately after applying the treatment to ensure it stays effective. For internal deworming, it’s important to give your pet the correct dosage of mouth-administered medication, either through a pill or mixed with their food. Be cautious to prevent your pet from spitting out or refusing the medicine.
Observing Your Pet’s Reaction
After giving the medication, observe your pet for signs of discomfort or allergic response. If there’s anything out of the ordinary, consult your vet immediately for guidance. You need to make sure that your pet is well-tolerating the deworming medication.
Common Types of Parasites in Pets
To successfully deworm your pet, it is important to understand what parasites to watch out for. Following are some frequent internal and external parasites that occur in pets so you can be on the lookout and keep your pet safe.
Ticks
Location: On your pet’s skin and throughout their body.
Symptoms: itching, hair loss, poor appetite, lethargy, and anemia.
Mites
Location: On the skin, usually throughout the body.
Symptoms: Hair loss, red patches, scabs, and severe itching.
Fleas
Location: On the skin and the fur.
Symptoms: redness, bumps, hair loss, and
compulsive scratching.
Roundworms
Where: In the stomach and intestines.
Symptoms: vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss,
diarrhea, and worms in feces or regurgitation.
Hookworms
Where: In the intestines.
Symptoms: poor coat, decreased appetite,
vomiting, black or bloody stools.
Tapeworms
Where: In the intestines.
Symptoms: Abnormal appetite, vomiting, diarrhea,
and segments in feces.
Heartworms
Where: In the heart and lungs.
Symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, lethargy,
and damage to the heart.
Tips for Deworming Your Pet
External Deworming
1. Part your pet’s fur at the back of their neck gently to reveal the skin.
2. Follow instructions to apply the external deworming product. Ensure the product goes directly on the skin.
3. Do not give your pet a bath for 3 days following treatment so the medication takes effect.
4. Monitor the deworming dates to prevent over- or under-treatment.
Keep in mind that external deworming is usually performed once a month, although it can sometimes differ with your pet’s lifestyle and environment. Always consult your vet for the most reliable recommendations on frequency.
Internal Deworming
1. Administer by mouth deworming medicine as recommended by your vet.
2. Place medicine in your pet’s mouth using a pill dispenser, or crush and mix with food.
3. Observe your pet for any response post-treatment.
The interval for internal deworming may change depending on the age of your pet, type of parasites, and drug used. For instance, young animals might need deworming on a monthly basis, whereas adult animals might get it a couple of times per year.
Always ask your vet to figure out the best deworming schedule for your pet. By doing these steps, we are able to protect our pets from toxic parasites and maintain their overall health. Deworming regularly is an easy and necessary routine pet care that will be a game-changer in the health and happiness of your pet. Keep your furry friends parasite-free, and they’ll thank you with lots of love and attention!
