A parasite refers to a living organism that feeds within (endoparasites) or on (ectoparasite) another animal. Various parasites can harm your animal, but common pet parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, hookworm, ringworm, roundworm, and many others. Parasites are harmful to the hosts and can deteriorate their quality of life. That’s why our team at Van Loon Animal Hospital in Holmen advises pet parents on proper parasite prevention to ensure your animal lives a happy and healthy life.

Why Parasite Prevention for Pets Is a Necessity

Parasites Cause Diseases

External parasites such as ticks, mites, and fleas suck blood from pets, causing anemia. Additionally, parasites cause dangerous diseases like heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Bartonellosis, and rickettsiosis, all of which can be deadly to your pets.

Reduced Appetite

Internal parasites such as ringworms, hookworms, and roundworms can cause your pet to lose appetite. When this happens, you will have malnourished pets that are more vulnerable to ailments.

Parasite Affect Growth Rate

Both external and internal parasites rely on your pets for their nutrition. When this occurs, your pet is denied vital nutrients, leading to a reduced growth rate and productivity.

Parasite Reduce Quality of Life in Pet

Parasites cause your pet’s quality of life to diminish. They cause disturbances such as restless irritation and annoyance. Your pet is never happy when he or she is parasite-infested.

Parasites in Pets Can Affect Humans

Other than causing diseases to pets, parasites can also spread to human beings. This usually happens when a human being gets in close contact with a pet’s feces left in the environment.

Contact Our Animal Hospital for Vet Care in Holmen 

Even if your pet does not have a parasite now, he or she still has the chance of getting them at some point. Parasite prevention is essential for maintaining your animal’s health and ensuring he or she is well protected. Our veterinarian at Van Loon Animal Hospital helps pet owners provide their animals the prevention plans they need to avoid parasites at any stage of life. Contact our Holmen office to schedule an exam or to learn more about how our parasite prevention is beneficial for your pet.