Parasites

 

There are several parasites that pose a threat to your pet's health.  The scary thing about some of these parasites is that they can be transferred from pets to humans. However, with proper parasite prevention methods, good hygiene and common sense, you can keep your pets and your family safe and healthy.
      
         Fleas      Heartworms  Roundworms   Hookworms  Whipworms

  

Parasites that may affect your pet:

            Fleas & Ticks These are called ectoparasites which are
organisms that live on the outside of an animal.  Fleas are the most common parasite found on pets.  Ticks are also very common, especially here in the Northeastern United States. 

            Coccidia, Giardia - Coccidia and Giardia are tiny single-celled parasites that can live in your pet's intestines. 

            Ear Mites These are tiny mites that can live on the surface of the ear canal in pets.

            Heartworms These parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes and take residence in the heart and large vessels of the lungs once they are mature.

            Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms These parasites, or "worms", can live in the digestive system of dogs and cats.

            Mange Mites-  These parasites can cause a skin disease called mange.


 


Most people are surprised to learn that there are actually several different species of fleas.

 

Flea Species:

                        Fleas found on dogs:

v     Ctenocephalides felis felis (cat flea)

v     Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea)

v     Echidnophaga gallinacean (poultry sticktight flea)

v     Pulex simulans (flea commonly found on wild animals)

 

Fleas found on cats:

v      Ctenocephalides felis felis (cat flea)

v     Echidnophaga gallinacean (poultry sticktight flea)

v     Pulex simulans (commonly found on wild animals)