Heartworm
The dog is a natural host for heartworms, which means that heartworms that live inside the dog mature into adults, mate and produce offspring. If untreated, their numbers can increase, and dogs have been known to harbor several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. For this reason, heartworm prevention for dogs is by far the best option, and treatment—when needed—should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible.
The dog is a natural host for heartworms, which means that heartworms that live inside the dog mature into adults, mate and produce offspring. If untreated, their numbers can increase, and dogs have been known to harbor several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. For this reason, heartworm prevention for dogs is by far the best option, and treatment—when needed—should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible.
Video courtesy of American Heartworm Society
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, Coccidia, Giardia and Cryptosporidium are all common in cats and dogs. Many of these parasites can be transmitted to you and your family if your pet becomes infected.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are a big concern, and the potential health problems they cause are significant. Flea and tick products generally fall into one of two categories: neurotoxic insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGR). Neurotoxic insecticides target adult fleas and ticks and work by paralyzing the insects before neutralizing them. IGRs target parasites in the early stages of life by preventing the growth of eggs into larvae.
Roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, Coccidia, Giardia and Cryptosporidium are all common in cats and dogs. Many of these parasites can be transmitted to you and your family if your pet becomes infected.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are a big concern, and the potential health problems they cause are significant. Flea and tick products generally fall into one of two categories: neurotoxic insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGR). Neurotoxic insecticides target adult fleas and ticks and work by paralyzing the insects before neutralizing them. IGRs target parasites in the early stages of life by preventing the growth of eggs into larvae.
