Parasites in Dogs and Cats

Parasites are a huge concern for pet owners and pets alike. While these pests cause your pet great discomfort, much more serious health issues can result from parasite infestations.  As certain geographic regions have been experiencing unseasonably warm winters, the parasite problem has been extremely detrimental not only throughout the summer months but throughout the winter months as well.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help protect your pets from these invasive and harmful parasites.  Many high-quality preventative medications are available to safeguard your pets from fleas and ticks. Some of the most effective options for dogs are Certifect, Capstar, Advantage II, Advantage Multi (prescription required,) Frontline Plus, Revolution and K9 Advantix.  Shampoos and sprays are available as well.  As there is a wide variety of flea protection available, your veterinarian can help you find the best option to meet your dog’s needs based on certain factors.  Cats also require treatment and prevention. However, they require different amounts of chemical protection, so be sure to choose a formula that is specific to felines. There are many effective options such as Advantage II for Cats, Capstar, Frontline Plus and Revolution for cats (prescription required), as well as various sprays and shampoos.

Parasites can also cause heartworm disease in dogs and cats.  When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your pet, microscopic larvae enter the body through the bite wound and travel through the bloodstream.  They eventually migrate to the heart and the blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs.  Unfortunately, symptoms of heartworm disease may not be evident at first, and pets may be infected for years without any indication that the disease has developed.  Treatment is extremely costly and dangerous, so prevention is the best option.  Luckily, heartworm medicine is available for the prevention of this potentially fatal disease.

Preventative options are available for the safety and protection of your cats and dogs. Please note that all these medications require a prescription from your veterinarian.  For your feline friend, you have many options including Advantage Multi for Cats, Heartgard, Interceptor, and Revolution.  Heartworm preventative medications for dogs are also available and treat heartworms as well as other parasites and intestinal worms. Some heartworm medications available for dogs are Advantage Multi for Dogs, HeartGard Plus, Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Iverhart Max, Iverhart Plus, Revolution, and Sentinel for Dogs.

Dosage of these medications is determined based on the weight of your pet. To treat a pet for heartworm disease, a blood test is first required.  These blood tests check to make sure your pet is heartworm negative before beginning treatment.

Once you have made a trip to see your veterinarian and decided on a preventative plan for your pet, medications can then be ordered online to help you save money. You can obtain all your pets needs at www.PetMartPharmacy.com.  PetMart Pharmacy carries many other pet related items such as collars, leashes, dog harnesses, training accessories, bowls, treats, grooming supplies and more.

Many options are available to help you keep your pet healthy and safe.  Be sure your pets are protected from the damaging effects caused by parasites by starting them on a prevention plan today.

Our information is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian.  Do not use this information for diagnostic purposes. Always take your pet to your veterinarian to obtain a diagnosis and course of treatment.