Ever wonder why controlling parasites from invading your best bud is important? Learn why here!
Creepy, Crawly Things
By
Lisa Marsico, DVM
Del Ray Animal Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia
Without a doubt, parasite control is one of the most important and commonly overlooked health management concern for our pets. Parasites are responsible for a wide variety of health problems.... from painful skin infections, itching and irritation caused by fleas and mites, to chronic gastrointestinal disease, heart and lung disease, and serious infectious diseases such as Lyme and Ehrlichiosis. The following information, along with advice from your veterinarian, will help you keep you, your pets and your home free of these unwelcomed guests.
Intestinal parasites can be spread through ingestion of contaminated feces, insects and rodents; and directly from mothers to their young. Some are contagious to humans. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia and coccidia are prevalent in our area and can be identified and controlled through routine fecal exams, periodic dewormings, and the use of certain heartworm preventatives that also control intestinal worms. Cleaning up after your dog can greatly reduce the risk of spreading intestinal parasites.
Heartworms are blood parasites that are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Left untreated, these worms can clog up blood vessels and heart chambers causing serious heart and lung disease and even death. This parasite can affect both cats and dogs. Interceptor, Sentinel, Revolution, Heartgard and their generic equivalents are safe, effective and should be used monthly to prevent heartworm infection. At Del Ray Animal Hospital, we recommend year-round prevention and annual blood tests.
There are many products on the market today to help control fleas and ticks. Your choice of products will be dictated by your pet's lifestyle, safety, efficacy, costs and your veterinarian's recommendations. Some products may work well for some pets and not so well for others. We recommend using preventatives from May - December or year-round if ticks are a concern.
Most "spot-on" over the counter products contain a combination of Permethrins and Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). Many fleas have developed resistance to permethrins, and some of these products are extremely toxic to cats. Read labels carefully and never use a dog product on a cat.
Imidacloprid (Advantage) kills and repels fleas and larvae for up to one month, but can be applied as often as once a week for severe infestations. Fleas are dead within 12 hours of application. This product can be used on dogs as young as 7 weeks and cats 8 weeks of age. Advantix is a product that contains Imidacloprid and a permethrin additive to kill ticks. This product should never be used on cats or on dogs that live closely with cats.
Fipronil with Methoprene (Frontline Plus) kills fleas, eggs, larvae, lice and ticks; and has good water resistance. It should be applied to the skin once a month. It is safe for puppies and kittens 8 weeks and older.
Lufenuron (Sentinel and Program) prevents flea reproduction by inhibiting development of flea eggs and larvae. It does not kill or repel fleas and will not prevent flea bite allergy or the spread of infectious diseases. It is given once a month by mouth and may be preferred by pet owners who prefer not to use pesticides on their pets.
Nitenpyram (Capstar) is a pill given orally that provides a one time kill of adult fleas within 3-4 hours of dosing. It can be used in combination with other products and does not repel adult fleas. This product may be preferred by owners concerned about pesticide residue.
Insect growth regulators such as Methoprene and Pyripoxten target eggs and larvae and can be found in products used to treat home as well as products used on your pet. These products break the flea life cycle but do not kill adults.
Selamectin (Revolution) can be used monthly on dogs and cats. It kills adult fleas, prevents heartworm and certain intestinal parasites, ear and scabies mites and prevents flea eggs from hatching and controls ticks on dogs. It is applied topically, absorbed through the skin and redistributed to various organs. It is safe for pets 6 weeks and older.
Amitraz (Preventic) collar - for dogs only. The most effective tick control product available, works for 3 months but does not treat fleas. It is not recommended for puppies that may chew the collar or for dogs living with small children who may touch the collar and then put their hands in their mouths. It can be combined with other flea products.
All topical medications can be affected by bathing or wetting though some are more water resistant that others. As flea populations develop resistance, we will most certainly see new products appear on the market and our recommendations for treatment may eventually change.
Talk with your veterinarian about
developing an integrated parasite control program that will keep you and
your pets healthy and happy.