Parasites are tiny creatures that can cause huge damage to your dog. Despite their size, their impact on dogs’ health goes far by causing life-threatening illnesses. Both external and internal, parasites are harmful to your and the health of your family as well. That’s why knowing how to protect your dog is of immense importance. Well-known intestinal parasites, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can easily bring serious diseases. Therefore you should take some steps to make sure your dog doesn’t have parasites. Let’s see what those steps are!
Better Safe Than Sorry
It is always necessary to play your part. Regarding this issue, you should, in the first place, be careful about the places, food, and hygiene connected to your dog. Where can your dog pick up parasites? In fact, your yard or famous urban dog parks are a source of parasites. Even though dog parks are good for recreation and fun, they can pose great risks for parasite transmission. Try to choose parks that are cleaner and limit your dog’s exposure to potential parasite breeding grounds. What about your yard? Well, this has to do with your dog’s feces. You should clean the waste after your dog immediately and stop the spreading of possible contamination. Your dog can pick up many parasitic worms by eating animal feces as well. That’s why it is also important not to let your dog eat feces which you can also prevent by disposing of the waste immediately.
Another aspect to consider with your dog being outside is water. Standing water is another source and breeding ground for parasites, especially the one called Giardia, responsible for severe diarrhea. Provide a fresh source of water for your furry friend to quench its thirst, as it will not have to drink from standing water.
Keep your yard clean, pick cleaner parks for taking your dog out and always bring enough water for your friend. It is also essential that you take care of proper hygiene for your dog. In this way, you will take the first important steps to reduce your pet’s exposure to parasites. But, of course, this is only the start of the battle.
Protection Is The Key
Consulting your veterinarian about the issue of parasites is always the best idea. He or she can point out the most dangerous parasites and the areas that might be potential sources. They will also prescribe the most appropriate preventive products. It is also advisable that along with the regular dog’s exam, your veterinarian does a regular fecal check.
Still, protection is the key. But it often happens that dog owners forget about the treatment time. Unfortunately, this can cost a lot of bad effects on your dog’s health, and even yours. Luckily, you can make sure that your furry buddy is fully covered and protected. How about having your Nexgard Spectra delivered each month in front of your door? Sounds perfect, right? Itchoff, for example, helps save dogs’ lives, and their website has further precious information on how it actually works. This monthly tick and flea prevention is a dream come true for you and your dog. It helps you ensure your dog is protected 24/7 against parasites. Thanks to it, you won’t have to give up on your outdoor adventures, but rather keep enjoying it with your dog safe and healthy.
You can also always go for preventive medications, and consistency in using them can also give bright results.
Pre-entry Check
When your dog’s done with the outdoor adventure, be it in a yard or park, inspect it for some external parasites you can notice. After coming in from outdoors, your dog may bring some ticks and fleas, so before stepping inside, check your dog’s head, ears, under the collar, around the tail, and crotch for parasites.
Notice Signs and Symptoms
Even though some pets don’t show any signs of illness, sometimes you can notice some changes and symptoms. The most common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sometimes even coughing and difficulty breathing. Some other signs appearing include:
- Blood in the stool
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Worms in the stool or in the anus area
By noticing the signs, you will be able to act as quickly as possible to prevent more serious conditions.
Protected and Happy
By protecting your dog from parasites, you’re saving your and its health. And everything’s better when you’re healthy. So, take the needed steps to ensure your dog’s protection and enjoy creating lovely memories with your friend.