[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/parasite-prevention\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/parasite-prevention\/","headline":"The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That\u2019s Year Round","name":"The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That\u2019s Year Round","description":"Spring and summer are marvelous for many reasons. Not on the list of seasonal splendors? Parasites, of course. Yes, bugs are a natural consequence of warmer weather, but with a proactive approach to parasite prevention, they don\u2019t have to bother your pet \u2013 or spread dangerous diseases! Consider the Lifestyle Due to an indoor-only lifestyle, […]","datePublished":"2018-04-11","dateModified":"2024-11-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/#Person","name":"chris","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/","identifier":3,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"West Park Animal Hospital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/WestPark_iStock-654812442_super-1024x682-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/WestPark_iStock-654812442_super-1024x682-1.jpg","height":682,"width":1024},"url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/parasite-prevention\/","about":["Blog","Cat Health","Dog Health"],"wordCount":473,"articleBody":"Spring and summer are marvelous for many reasons. Not on the list of seasonal splendors? Parasites, of course. Yes, bugs are a natural consequence of warmer weather, but with a proactive approach to parasite prevention, they don\u2019t have to bother your pet \u2013 or spread dangerous diseases!Consider the LifestyleDue to an indoor-only lifestyle, many pets are perceived as being \u201csafe\u201d from bugs and vector-borne illness. However, due to their stealthy natures, fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos can quietly enter the home, unnoticed and unharmed. Yes, even pets who aren\u2019t exploring shady, woodsy undergrowth or rolling around in the grass can become easy targets for blood-thirsty bugs.No Fault of Their OwnPets who remain unprotected from parasites (and the diseases they carry) are unwittingly placed in the crosshairs. Even pets who used to take a preventive but went off it, even for a short time, are at risk. Luckily, most parasite prevention medications are easy to administer; some even come with reminder stickers. We can also help with reminder apps or smart phone calendar tasks.A Closer LookFleas, ticks, and mosquitos pose obvious threats (e.g., flea allergy dermatitis, Lyme disease, heartworm, etc.), but parasite prevention should also take internal parasites into consideration. Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, ear mites, and whipworms can all be prevented. Without ongoing treatment, these parasites can thrive off an animal\u2019s blood.If you have more than one pet or if you frequent public spaces, remember the eggs of these parasites are typically found in the feces of infected animals.See the SignsThroughout the year, it\u2019s important to groom your pet. This is not only satisfying, but also gives you insight into the condition of the coat and skin. Keep a close eye on any inflammation, bumps, and swelling. Bring your pet in for an exam if they are:Extremely itchyExcessive scratchingBiting one area repeatedlyTwitchingShaking the headShowing signs of stress, pain, or anxietyDeveloping red, raw, or bald spotsParasite Prevention All Year Long?Many pet owners subscribe to the idea that parasite prevention isn\u2019t necessary between, say, November to March. Certainly, it\u2019s less common to see bugs after the first frost, but because of the life cycle of many parasites, they can live in a dormant stage throughout the winter (even inside the home!). They wake up and become active in the spring and have the ability to wreak havoc on a pet before they\u2019ve started their medication.That\u2019s why we recommend a year-round approach to parasite prevention. We\u2019re happy to discuss the process with you during your pet\u2019s next wellness exam. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions!The post The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That\u2019s Year Round appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Pet Resources","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That\u2019s Year Round","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/parasite-prevention\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]