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Putting
a Leash on Pet Parasites
Summertime
is here, which means that pet parasites are out in full force.
As you, your children and your beloved pet prepare to enjoy
the great outdoors this summer, you should guard against zoonotic
pests that may pose a threat to your loved ones.
Zoonotic
pests are those that can be transferred from pet to human.
Fleas, hookworms and roundworms are all zoonotic. While these
infections are rare, they do require treatment by a physician.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect
your pet from them and to help reduce your family's rsk of
exposure.
Zoonotic
infections can occur in a number of ways. Parasites such as
roundworms are primarily contracted by ingestion, whil hookworms
commonly penetrate through the skin. Because of this, children
are especially at risk fro contracting them, says Dr. Alan
Greene. "Kids are not particularly concerned with hygiene,"
notes Greene, a renowned pediatrician. "They like to run around
barefoot and often play in dirt and sand and then put their
dirty fingers in their mouths. If the dirt or sand is contaminated
with infected dog feces, they risk developing an infection."
So what
are effective ways to help reduce your family's risk of exposure
to zoonotic parasites? One way is by ensuring that your pet
is on a monthly parasite preventative. Pet owners have a number
of choices when it comes to these products. For instance,
some are liquid drops, others are oral medications.
"There
are several effective parasite products available," says Dr.
John Kristy of the Engelberg-Kristy Animal Clinic in Fairfield,
Connecticut. Kristy prefers Sentinel Flavor Tabs, manufactured
by Novartis, because they don't leave a pesticide residue
on the pet or in the home, but he says pet owners need to
decide which parasite product best suits their individual
needs. Other popular flea control products include Advantage
topical solution, manufactured by Bayer, and Capstar tablets,
also by Novartis.
Whichever
product you choose, says Kirsty, be sure to use it year-round
as recommended . "Parasites can be a year-round problem whether
you live in the southeast or the northwest. Ensuring that
your pet is protected year round will mean better health for
your pet and peace of mind for you."
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