Boehringer Animal Health Philippines, Inc., a leading animal health company, emphasizes the importance of prevention over cure regarding canine parasites. The company warns that parasites can quickly spread, causing a sudden illness or even a complete halt in a pet’s life. The company emphasizes that protecting your pet from these parasites is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure their well-being. The company emphasizes that prevention is always better than cure, and acting quickly to protect your pet from potential parasites is essential.
To know exactly what we’re dealing with, let’s run down the different parasites that cause all sorts of problems to our furry companions–from simple skin irritations to life-threatening complications.
Seeing your dog suffering from something that eludes your eyes is frustrating. When this happens, they’re most likely dealing with sneaky invaders or internal parasites. These tiny worms wreak havoc inside your dog, which they pick up by ingesting its carrier or egg from contaminated food or water, as well as surfaces, objects, and other animals’ feces.
Among the most common internal parasites in dogs are heartworms, one of the most notorious internal parasites. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can damage vital organs such as the heart and lungs, which can have fatal repercussions. Then, there are roundworms. These thin and long parasites can cause various digestive issues and even stunt the growth of puppies. If your dog suddenly lacks energy and becomes more prone to illnesses, hookworms may be the cause. They feed on blood and can cause anemia, weight loss, and a weakened immune system. Both roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer from animals to humans.
Other parasites are less subtle in their approach. They attack from the outside as visible villains that cause discomfort and irritation. These external parasites range from fleas, which trigger intense itching and skin infections, to ticks—nasty blood-sucking pests. Meanwhile, mites can cause skin irritation, hair loss, and pesky ear infections.
Since parasites come in all shapes and sizes with various plans of attack, it’s easier to employ a proactive rather than reactive approach in addressing the issue. Keeping these threats at bay remains the most excellent option for ensuring our dogs continue to live their best lives.
Indeed, the value of regular vet check-ups cannot be overstated. Religiously schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and discuss appropriate prevention strategies. From there, you will learn the best preventive medications to protect your dogs from the following internal and external parasites.
It’s simple math: Less time nursing a sick dog equals more moments to create quality, precious memories.
