A Whisker’s Guide to Small Animal Parasites
Dr. Elizabeth A. Olsen • Boulevard Pet Hospital
Dr. Elizabeth A. Olsen, Boulevard Pet Hospital
As pet owners (and I have several myself), it’s crucial to watch out for parasites that can affect our furry companions. Understanding how to recognize, prevent, and treat these pests is key to ensuring our pets live long, happy lives.
As a veterinarian, I see the impact of parasites all the time. Common parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms can cause a range of symptoms from mild irritations to severe health issues. Fleas and ticks often cause excessive scratching, hair loss, skin irritation, and in severe cases, anemia or infection. Ticks, in particular, can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, which can lead to joint pain, fever, lethargy, and long-term health complications if left untreated.
Heartworms, a potentially fatal parasite, can lead to persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue after mild exercise, and, in advanced cases, heart failure. Intestinal worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and visible worms in stool or around the rear. If you observe any of these signs, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for accurate testing.
Diagnostic methods may include a fecal exam, which can reveal intestinal worm eggs, and a blood test, which can confirm the presence of heartworms or other systemic parasites. Physical examinations help identify fleas, ticks, or skin irritations caused by mites, and skin scrapings allow microscopic evaluation of parasitic infections. Routine check-ups and early detection prevent minor infestations from escalating into serious health risks.
I may sound like a broken record here, but prevention is the most effective strategy against these unwelcome guests. Routine administration of preventative medications, such as monthly flea and tick treatments and heartworm preventive, is recommended. Additionally, keeping your pet's living environment clean and limiting exposure to wildlife can significantly reduce the risk of infestation. Since every pet's needs differ, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the best parasite prevention plan for you and your pet.
If a pet is diagnosed with a parasite… don’t panic. Treatment options vary depending on the type of infection. Dewormers are commonly used to eliminate intestinal parasites, while topical or oral medications effectively treat fleas, ticks, and mites. Heartworm treatment is a more complex process that requires careful veterinary supervision but can ultimately save a pet’s life.
Because we all love our furry family members, it’s important we protect them from harmful parasites by being proactive about prevention and seeking early treatment when needed.
Dr. Elizabeth Olsen is a veterinarian at Boulevard Pet Hospital in Castro Valley. After growing up in rural Eastern Oregon, she attended St. Matthew’s University veterinary school. Dr. Olsen is focused on geriatric medicine, dentistry, preventive care, and nutrition for animals. In her free time, Dr. Olsen enjoys spending time with her partner, three cats (Ollie, Louie, and Stevie), and pittie mutt, Harrie.
