This entry was posted on 2022-09-02 by Pet Heaven Store.

The parasites of pets can be divided into external parasites (those that live on the outside of your pet, e.g. on its skin or in its ears) and internal parasites (those that live inside your pet, e.g. in its gastrointestinal tract). In this article we will look at the most important external and internal parasites of pets and also show you how to tell if the product(s) you are currently using, is ticking all the boxes - no pun intended!

External parasites on pets

1. Fleas

Fleas are small bloodsucking insects that can live on most mammals. They are more prevalent in summer, but do not make the mistake of thinking you do not get any fleas in winter! In fact, winter is the time to get rid of all the remaining fleas – in order to prevent a big problem in summer!

2. Ticks

Ticks are also bloodsucking parasites that feed on mammals, but they are generally bigger than fleas. They can transmit tick-borne disease like Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. Ticks are present throughout the year, but they are very active in warm, humid weather!

3. Mites

Mites are tiny parasites that burrow deep into your pets skin causing inflammation and irritation. There are three common mites that are known for infecting dogs: Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites and ear mites.

Internal parasites in pets

Internal parasites are very common in all animals, especially those that are strays or not in a controlled environment. Intestinal worms, Coccidia, and Giardia are all parasites seen in dogs and cats. Heartworm is another terrible internal parasite, but luckily we do not have heartworm in South Africa!
Pets are usually infected by ingesting eggs or larval versions of parasites found in the environment. Eating birds, rodents, or fleas can also be a source of infection. Puppies and kittens can also become infected by their mother in utero.

1. Worms

The following are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats:
• Roundworms: Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats. Roundworms in dogs can be identified as spaghetti-like shapes in the faeces or, in severe cases, in vomit.
• Hookworms: Adult hookworms are very small and thin, often not noticed in the stool. The worms “hook” into the lining of the intestines and actually feed off the host’s blood.
• Whipworms: Whipworms are small, thin worms with an even thinner tail that looks like a whip. They dig their tail into the lining of the large intestine.
• Tapeworms: Tapeworms are usually diagnosed by actually seeing little “rice-grain” segments around an animal’s rectum. Tapeworms live off food in the intestines. Pets get tapeworms by eating an intermediate host like a mouse or flea.

2.Giardia:

Giardia are intestinal parasites that live in moist environments, especially ones where there is standing water. Giardia also causes vomiting and diarrhoea and people can also be infected if they should ingest contaminated water or food.

3.Coccidia:

Coccidia are microscopic organisms called protozoa that live in the lining of the gut and can cause diarrhoea. Coccidia and Giardia needs veterinary treatment.

How do I know if my anti-parasitic products are broad-spectrum?

The easiest answer is: check the box! The product should state on the outside of the packaging against which parasites it is effective. If a product is only effective against external parasites like ticks and fleas, you need to add a deworming tablet.

Here are some examples:

Bravecto: Ticks, fleas, mites (dogs and cats)

Bravecto Plus: Ticks fleas, mites, worms (cats)

Nexgard: Ticks, fleas, mites (dogs)

Nexgard Spectra: Ticks, fleas, mites, worms (dogs)

Revolution: Ticks, fleas, mites, worms (dogs and cats)

Frontline and Fronline Plus: Ticks, fleas (dogs and cats)

Broadline: Ticks, fleas, worms (cats)

Triworm: Worms (dogs and cats)

Milbemax: Worms (dogs and cats)

Seresto: Ticks, fleas (dogs and cats)