What are parasites?
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another animal, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. For our pets, these unwelcome guests fall into two main categories: internal parasites that live inside the body and external parasites that live on the skin or fur.
Both dogs and cats are exposed to various parasites year-round. Even mild infestations can progress into serious health problems without early detection and treatment. What begins as an unnoticed infestation can gradually compromise your pet's immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.
Regular screening by your primary care veterinarian is vital for parasite prevention and early detection. However, if your pet develops severe symptoms or experiences an emergency related to a parasitic infection, visiting a veterinary specialist or an emergency department may be necessary.
Common Internal Parasites & Their Impact on Pet Health
Internal parasites pose hidden threats to your pet's health, often causing damage long before symptoms become apparent.
Intestinal Worms
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms commonly affect dogs and cats. Roundworms can cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly in young animals. Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, potentially causing anemia. Whipworms lead to chronic diarrhea and weight loss, while tapeworms appear as rice-like segments in feces or around the rear end.
Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic protozoan (a single-celled microscopic animal) parasite that spreads through contaminated water, soil, or surfaces. Pets with Giardia often experience persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The infection can lead to dehydration and chronic intestinal inflammation if left untreated.
External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, & Mites
External parasites present more visible health concerns that affect your pet's skin and overall comfort.
Fleas
Fleas are jumping insects that feed on blood and can rapidly multiply in your home environment. Pet owners often notice excessive scratching, particularly around the base of the tail, neck, or ears. You might spot actual fleas or notice flea dirt, which are small black specks that turn reddish brown when moistened. Heavy flea infestations can cause anemia, especially dangerous for young, elderly, or small pets.
Ticks
Ticks attach to the skin and feed slowly, potentially remaining unnoticed for days while transmitting diseases. They appear as small, engorged bumps on the skin. Ticks can transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, which can cause joint pain, fever, and organ damage.
Mites
Mites are microscopic organisms that burrow into skin or live in ear canals, causing intense irritation. Ear mites cause dark, crumbly discharge in the ear canals along with head shaking and scratching. Skin mites lead to hair loss, itching, and secondary infections from constant scratching.
Preventing Parasite Infestations With Year-Round Care
Your primary care veterinarian serves as your first line of defence when it comes to parasite prevention for dogs and cats. Routine wellness examinations allow your veterinarian to check for signs of infestation and assess your pet's overall health. Annual or biannual fecal testing detects internal parasites before they cause obvious symptoms.
Modern veterinary medicine offers highly effective preventive products for both internal and external parasites. Flea and tick preventives come in various forms, allowing you to choose what works best for your pet and household. Year-round prevention is especially important, not only in Halifax but all across Atlantic Canada, where mild winter days can keep some parasites active.
Maintaining a clean environment reduces exposure to parasites. Regular vacuuming removes flea eggs and larvae from carpets and furniture. Washing pet bedding in hot water kills parasites and their eggs. If your pet develops urgent symptoms such as severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, our emergency department at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital provides immediate evaluation and treatment around the clock.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Recognizing when your pet needs professional attention can make the difference between a minor health issue and a serious condition. Signs of external and intestinal parasites in dogs and cats include bowel movements, vomiting, weight loss despite normal eating, or lethargy. Certain symptoms demand immediate intervention, including severe vomiting or diarrhea with blood, difficulty breathing, or pale gums suggesting serious anemia.
When parasite-related infections go untreated, chronic disease can cause permanent organ damage. Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital offers comprehensive care for severe or complicated parasitic conditions through our 24/7 emergency services and specialized referral departments, including internal medicine and dermatology.
Parasites may be small, but their impact on pet health can be extensive. By maintaining year-round prevention and seeking prompt care when problems occur, you give your dog or cat the best opportunity for a long, healthy life.
Note: The advice and/or information provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or for the most up-to-date information, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.