Parasites? No, thank you!
Flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats.
When temperatures rise in spring, the risk of parasite infestation in your pet also increases. Fleas and ticks, in particular, are widespread, annoying, and sometimes dangerous for your beloved companion. Fortunately, there are now a number of effective methods for flea and tick prevention in dogs and cats.
Overview: What are the most common parasites in dogs and cats?
There are many pests that can afflict your dog or cat. Fleas and ticks are certainly among the most well-known and common parasites. Read here to learn about what other parasites there are, how pets become infected, and when the risk is greatest.
When is the risk of infection with parasites particularly high?
Ticks become active at temperatures of around 8 degrees Celsius. Therefore, tick bites occur particularly often from February to October. However, due to climate change, it is increasingly common for ticks to survive year-round and infest pets. Fleas can also live in the fur of animals at any time of the year and therefore infest your pet throughout the year.
Therefore, remember: Your pet needs effective flea and tick protection all year round.
Which types of parasites exist for dogs and cats?
To keep track of the various parasites, it's useful to divide them into endoparasites (living inside the host) and ectoparasites (living on the host).
The main ectoparasites for dogs and cats are:
- Fleas
- Mites
- Ticks
The main endoparasites for dogs and cats are:
- Protozoa (such as Giardia, Toxoplasma)
- Worms (such as intestinal worms, heartworms, lungworms)
For an overview of the different parasites in dogs or cats, you can find information in the zooplus Magazine.
Where can dogs and cats become infested with fleas and ticks?
There are various ways your pet can become infested with parasites:
Dogs and cats can get fleas when they come into contact with other infested animals. This includes not only their own species but also wildlife such as hedgehogs. Fleas can also jump from infested clothing or shoes onto pets.
Ticks, on the other hand, typically lurk in grass and bushes. When a dog or cat passes by, the tick attaches itself to the fur and bites into the skin.
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- Parasite Protection for Dogs
- Coat Care for Dogs
- Parasite Protection for Cats
- Coat Care for Cats
- Supplements
How can I protect my pet from fleas and ticks?
Apply products for pest protection
Get pets vaccinated
Regularly administer deworming treatments
Regular coat grooming and inspection
Protect your pet from parasites by considering individual needs, such as the MDR1 gene defect. Your veterinarian can best advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of various flea and tick control methods. Keep in mind that no method provides one hundred percent protection. Pay attention to correct application and dosage. Different products work in different ways: Some kill parasites, others repel them, and some active ingredients do both
Regular coat inspection & grooming
Proper coat care also plays an important role in flea and tick prevention. Ideally, thoroughly check your four-legged friend after every walk or outdoor excursion (especially through tall grass). Thorough brushing can also help identify and remove pests early from the fur.
Are there vaccinations against parasites?
Currently, there is no approved vaccination against parasites for dogs or cats. However, you can vaccinate your pet against some infections transmitted by ticks. These include diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis.
Diseases that parasites can cause in dogs and cats
Besides mosquitoes, ticks can transmit pathogens, triggering Mediterranean diseases and other infections. Among these are:
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Hepatozoonosis
While fleas less commonly transmit pathogens, they can cause severe itching and allergies (flea saliva allergy).
For an overview of the most common diseases in dogs and cats, you can refer to the zooplus Magazine.
Therefore, it is important: If your pet shows signs of illness, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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