3070 Michigan Ave West, Battle Creek, MI 49037

Turner Veterinary Clinic News

Keeping Pets Parasite Free Helps People, Too!

2022-04-14

While parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health, it can also play a critical role in keeping you and your family safe. Some of the parasites that affect pets can be spread to people.

In this article, we’ll discuss which parasites could be a risk to you and how to keep you and your pets parasite free.

Zoonotic Parasites

While many parasites can affect pets, zoonotic parasites can be transmitted from pets to people. Below are a few of the most common zoonotic parasites and what you need to know about them.

  • Tapeworms

The most common zoonotic tapeworm is known as Dipylidium and is found in both dogs and cats. While you can not get this tapeworm directly from your pet, it can be spread by fleas. While it may seem unlikely that you would eat a flea, it can happen accidentally and is most commonly seen in children.

  • Hookworms

Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that you can contract from your pet. Hookworm eggs can be excreted in your pet’s feces and live in the soil for long periods of time. When your skin comes in contact with contaminated feces or soil, the hookworm burrows into your skin. The infected area may become red and is often quite itchy.

  • Toxoplasma

Toxoplasma is an intestinal parasite that is spread to humans through contact with cat feces. Symptoms of toxoplasma infection in people can vary but are usually mild and resemble the flu. However, pregnant women who become infected with Toxoplasma can spread the infection to their unborn children.

Keeping Your Pets Parasite Free

One of the most critical steps in keeping you and your pets safe is parasite prevention. Parasite prevention comes in various forms, including topical treatments, oral medications, and injectables. Some preventatives can protect your pet from multiple parasites. However, it’s essential to ensure your pet is fully protected from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and internal parasites.

If you have questions about your pet’s level of protection, our team is happy to provide recommendations and help make sure your pet is adequately protected.

In addition to preventative care, parasite testing is also critical. Fecal tests can detect intestinal parasites and are recommended during your pet’s annual wellness exam. You should also monitor your pet for any concerning symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, or excessive itch.

Reducing Your Risk

While keeping your pet parasite-free is critical, some additional measures can help reduce your risk. Always wash your hands before eating and after handling your pet. When your pet uses the bathroom, clean it up as soon as possible and always dispose of the waste properly.

Because of the increased health risks associated with Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy, the CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid cleaning their cat’s litter box when possible. Instead, ask another family member to help you with the task. If this is not possible, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.

Final Thoughts

Not only can parasite prevention protect your pet, but it can also help you! In addition to using parasite prevention, remember to be careful when cleaning up after your pet and always practice good hygiene.

If you have additional questions about keeping your pet parasite free, please give us a call. We are happy to set up an appointment to check your pet for parasites and discuss their preventative care.

 

 

Categories

Recent Posts

Getting Ahead of Fleas: Your Fall Guide to Parasite Prevention

As pet owners, we can attest that flea infestation can not only be annoying but also extremely dangerous to our pets. Fleas can cause severe skin irritation, anemia, and even transmit deadly diseases. As we approach the fall season, it's essential to be proactive in preventing fleas before they become a problem. In this article, we will discuss the flea life cycle, the dangers of fleas infesting your pet, signs to look out for, the benefits of flea prevention, and why you should purchase flea prevention medication from us, your trusted veterinarian.

Read More
Back to School Blues: Helping Your Pet Adjust to a Quieter House

Back to school season is an exciting time for kids, but for pets, it can be the source of anxiety and stress. After a summer filled with playtime, cuddles, and attention, the sudden decrease in activity can have a profound impact on our pets. It's common for pets to experience separation anxiety when their families head back to work and school, and it's important for pet owners to recognize the signs and take steps to help their pets adjust. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to help your pets ease into a quieter home.

Read More
Recognizing Signs of Fear in Pets During Summer Months

As pet owners, it's crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of our beloved companions. One of the most common causes of stress in pets is summer thunderstorms and fireworks. During these events, pets exhibit various behaviors that indicate fear and stress.When experiencing a thunderstorm or fireworks, pets may pant excessively, bark or howl, tremble, hide, or even become destructive. These behaviors can be alarming and cause stress to both the pet and the owner.So what can you do to help alleviate your furry friend's stress during these situations?

Read More
5 Ways to Spoil Your Pet This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for pet owners, they can also be a time to spoil their furry friends! There are so many ways to make your pet's holiday season special. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the best ways to spoil your pet this year. From gift ideas to treats to activities, we have you covered!

Read More
The Benefits of Adopting a Senior Pet

One of the most rewarding things about being a pet owner is knowing that you've given an animal a loving home for the rest of their days. And what could be more rewarding than giving a senior pet a "new leash on life"? Senior pets are often passed over in favor of puppies and kittens, but they have so much to offer! Here are five reasons to consider adopting a senior pet today:

Read More

Providing Exceptional Veterinary Care

SERVING  BATTLE CREEK, AUGUSTA, GULL LAKE,  RICHLAND, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

Request Your Pet’s Appointment