Page 52 - LL_SPRING_16

Your Wellbeingparasites and your pet BY DR BRITT-LOUISE KARLSSON - BVSC MSC ZOOLOGY - GREENCROSS VETS KU-RING-GAICats and dogs often suffer from parasites which can cause mild to severe discomfort. Here are the top four most common parasites that affect our pets:FLEASFleas are parasites living on your pet’s skin and can be very difficult to get rid of. Fleas breed fast anda small number of fleas can become thousandsof eggs very quickly. The flea pupae are highly resistant to pesticides and survive in your home for a year or more and as they hatch they will continue to infest your pets. Fleas also carry tapeworm which can transfer to your pets and family.TICKSThere are a few different ticks in Australia however the paralysis tick is among the most dangerous.It is estimated that over 75,000 dogs and cats are paralysed each year and unfortunately, many die. The tick injects a neurotoxin when they bite that causes paralysis.If you suspect tick paralysis please see your vet im- mediately, your pet can deteriorate very quickly!INTESTINAL WORMSIntestinal worms infecting cats and dogs are; hook- worm, roundworm, tapeworm and whipworm. Their eggs are passed in faeces and can infect other animals, including humans. Occasionally, the worms are seen in the faeces as thin spaghetti or short ‘rice grain’ segments. Left untreated they can cause significant internal damage and in severe cases anaemia or death.HEARTWORMHeartworm is spread through mosquito bites and can cause heart and lung disease. It is very rare but humans can also be infected with heartworm. The most common symptoms are coughing, exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties and weight loss. But there may be no symptoms of infection at all.During September and October Greencross Vets Ku-Ring-Gai are highlighting the importance of checking your pets for parasites and how they affect their health. Speak with one of our friendly staff members today to make an appointment and we will help you tailor a preventative health care plan that suits you and your pet!52 LIVING LOCAL SPRING 2016 “Dream, Inspire, Grow” www.livinglocalguide.com.au