Keep Your Pets Safe From Deadly Parasites

Year-round prevention can help save your dog or cat from parasites that cause fatal diseases

By The LifeMinute Team

April 25, 2016

Cats and dogs across the country are susceptible to a number of fatal diseases all year long. Here, find out how to protect them. It's easy, affordable and effective!

Florida-based veterinarians Karen Fling and Rick Marrinson are members of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a board of practicing veterinarians, veterinary parasitologists and public health officials who's job it is to set protocols for the testing, treatment, and prevention of parasites in our companion animals. One of their big initiatives every year is the release of annual forecast maps.

A Country-Wide Problem

The maps track diseases that are huge problems for both pets and people. "It really is an exciting time to have these maps released. We've found that now there is literally no state that is free of Lyme's disease. They are really showing quite a dynamic change with the parasite incidents that we're seeing across the country--there's a leap from the Northeast down across all states," says Fling.

The maps also indicate a big uptick in diseases like heartworm, ehrlichia and anaplasmosis.

Trust Your Vet

There's lots of scary stuff out there, according to Marrinson, who says that your first and foremost resource should be your local veterinarian. "That is the expert you should turn to. They're going to be aware of what the risks are in your county, town, the microenvironment where you and your pets live."

Better Safe Than Sorry

Marrinson also recommends year-round prevention. "It's incredibly important. It's economical, safe, and it's much better to prevent these diseases then to allow your pet to become infected and then have to be treated."

And don't let your guard down. Marrinson says, "Just because it's winter don't think these parasites are not active. If you have a dog or cat that lives primarily indoors don't think they are not at risk. Every pet should be protected all year long."

Prevention Beats Treatment

A common misconception is that pet-owners can tell right away if their pets are infected. "Pets can be symptom-free. We don't want to wait until symptoms occur," says Fling. The truth is that very often, until these diseases become very advanced we don't know that these parasites exist. "The best insurance is to protect your pet with year-round prevention and to see your pet's doctor to know the best course of treatment," says the veterinarian, adding that it is very important to protect cats against heartworm disease. Sadly, for cats, there is no approved treatment.

And for both cats and dogs, all it takes is one mosquito bite to cause foot-long, spaghetti-like worms to grow in their heart. But we can prevent it!

For more information on protecting your pet, see your veterinarian and visit petsandparasites.org. You'll have access to CAPC maps, information about parasites and how to effectively prevent them and keep your pets safe.

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