Pet Parasite Prevention and Protection

From mild discomfort to more serious, life-threatening conditions, parasites can pose a health risk to our cats and dogs. In some cases, pets can even transmit parasites to human family members. While exposure to parasites is more common during warm weather months, parasites can infect pets any time of year.

It’s a good idea to review parasite prevention tips and discuss a year-round parasite prevention plan with your pet’s veterinarian.

Why are parasites harmful to dogs and cats?

Parasites can infect pets year-round — and can affect indoor as well as outdoor pets. Left untreated, dogs and cats can develop serious illnesses from parasites. Some of the most common parasites include fleas, ticks, heartworms and other intestinal parasites that can pose both minor and life-threatening health risks to pets.

Symptoms of a pet parasite infection

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs of illness in your pets, which could be related to a parasite invasion:

• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Gagging or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Blood in your pet's stool

Tips to protect your dog or cat from parasites

Try these tips to help keep parasites away from your pets:

• Limit access to high-risk areas like sandboxes, dog parks and high-traffic pet walk areas
• Clean up after pets promptly — and then wash your hands thoroughly
• Use a year-round parasite prevention treatment
• Keep your pet's eating area clean, including fresh food and clean drinking water
• Avoid feeding pets raw meat
• Don't let pets drink from standing water, such as puddles
• Take your pet to the veterinarian for an annual exam and parasite testing, and to discuss parasite preventive treatment options

5 common parasite prevention mistakes

Keep your dog or cat safe and healthy by avoiding the five most common parasite prevention mistakes below.

• Mistake 1. Only treating pets seasonally
• Mistake 2. Ignoring weight changes in pets
• Mistake 3. Forgetting to treat indoor-only pets
• Mistake 4. Not giving pets medication consistently
• Mistake 5. Not scheduling an annual parasite test for your pet

Your pets are beloved family members and protecting them from parasites is an important step to keeping them healthy and happy. Being aware of parasite symptoms is an important first step to protecting your dogs and cats. Contact your veterinarian if you notice symptoms or have any questions about parasite prevention.

Remember that you can use the CareCredit credit card to pay for exams, services and products at participating veterinary practices nationwide.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby practice that accepts the CareCredit credit card.