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Most people first think of external parasites for dogs; they immediately think of fleas and ticks. Parasites are still noticeable on your pet’s skin, even if tiny in number.
Unfortunately, many other internal parasites go unnoticed from your pet’s skin and fur. An example of these internal parasites is blood parasites, organisms known to reside in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites might be anything from simple bacteria and rickettsiae to single-celled protozoa and rickettsiae.
Blood parasites spread through the bites of lice, flies, ticks, and mosquitoes and the exchange of contaminated needles or blood (such as during blood transfusions). The red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the bloodstream, are the target cells of these types of parasites. The infection spreads when infected insect taps and latches its small teeth onto a dog, insects that carry the parasite will then feed on the animal’s blood while transferring the parasite into their blood. Veterinarians use blood tests to identify the presence of parasites.
There are many types of Blood parasites, including Babesiosis, American Canine, Hepatozoonosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme Disease, Flea-Bite Anemia, and Hepatozoon Canis. Here are some tips to help you fight or prevent your furbabies from these parasites.
Get vaccinated
Although a pet cannot receive a parasite vaccination, owners should prioritize preventive measures because many pet parasites are also zoonotic, meaning they can transmit the disease to humans.
The goal of vaccinations is to safeguard pets—and even owners—against various diseases. Vaccinations not only protect your pet from sickness but also play a significant role in other areas. This is why all pets should have complete vaccination. Furthermore, it is advised to employ antibody titers rather than follow-up immunizations.
Never miss yearly deworming
Dogs make excellent hosts for worms and other parasites. Pests are inevitably picked up by animals that sniff, slurp, lick, and eat everything in their path, including dung, rubbish, and dirt. All of the grooming, kissing, wrestling, and other social behaviors they engage in with their mouths have the potential to introduce undesirable guests to playmates and partners.
Most dogs get parasites at some point in their lives. If your dog has diarrhea, is vomiting, coughing, chews or licks under their tail is short of breath, or is losing weight, your veterinarian may suspect worms. It would be best if you never forgot to deworm your dogs regularly. Deworming your dog starts at a young age and continues as it ages.
Deworming is a crucial part of a preventative care regimen that will lower parasites (both internal and external) and improve your pet’s health.
Additionally, it’s crucial to do your part to stop the spread of parasites to you and your human family. Deworming your dog once a month is advised. Most dog dewormers are highly safe and have little effect on the body other than to do their job and ensure the dog is worm-free.
Practice Good Hygiene
These blood-sucking parasites are usually transmitted due to a lack of proper hygiene. Remember to regularly groom (bathe, clean ears, and eyes, trim nails)your dogs and apply tick repellant for additional protection against these parasites. It would be best to keep your place clean and where your dogs frequently stay. Because you will not be able to get rid of ticks if you will also not clean the dogs’ surroundings. Another thing to do is to pick up after your dog poops immediately. Dogs tend to eat their poop after releasing it, so we, as pet owners who know better than them, should clean it up directly to avoid ingesting it. The important thing is knowing more about ticks will help you become prepared for any eventualities.
References: https://www.advancedanimalcare.com/services/dogs/parasites/deworming-dogs
A guest post by Vetster.com
