Parasite Treatment in Pets
Ecto parasites cause many problems in pets, from mechanical irritation, itchiness, infection on the bite insertion, allergic response to products injected into the skin- and bloodstream by the parasite, as well as internal diseases causing a huge variety in symptoms and severity due to the parasite inserting endo-parasites into the host’s body.
Some of the ecto parasites can cause problems in the Pet Parent and his/her family as well. It is therefore important that each pet owner ensures his/her pet to be free from parasites, so no contamination of the house, garden, or car will take place, securing safety for the entire family.
What are the most common ectoparasites we see in dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents?
- Ringworm – This is a fungal infection caused by Microsporum canis, most seen in cats, but can be seen in dogs and humans as well
- Trichophytia – again a fungal infection caused by trichophyton spp. Can also cause a fungal infection in pets, but is not as commonly seen, more often in relation to contact with cattle, camels, or horses.
- Onychomycosis – a fungal infection in the nail bed caused by a variety of fungal infections.
Both fungal infections are considered zoonoses, meaning they are diseases in animals that can also cause issues in humans, especially those with a lower immune system.
Other ecto-parasites to consider are:
– Flea infection (visible)
– Tick infection (visible)
– Mite infection (not always clearly visible as they are very small)
– Lice infection (visible)
– Sand flies (not visible as do not stay on a host)
– Mosquitos (not visible as do not stay on a host)
What can be done against ecto-parasites?
– The first thing to do to prevent ecto-parasites is to regularly check your pet for visible parasites, ensure to regularly clean, vacuum, disinfect their surrounding (DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAR), wash/bath you pet at set times, monitor for itching, restlessness, or skin lesions.
– Avoid taking your pet to pest-infested surroundings, check local Social Media pages for advice
– Routine treatment by a vet recommended anti-ectoparasite treatment
What products are available in the market and what is the difference?
There are products available as a preventative treatment, often treating multiple groups of parasites, either via an application on the skin working outside of the animal or penetrating through the skin into the pet’s system. Other products are given orally or injected into the animal. Some products only treat the animal’s surroundings, minimizing the chance of infection. Some products are just tools that allow you to mechanically remove the parasites (tick remover tool) or capture them in the room your pet is staying (mosquito light or evaporator). Other products are available to the vet only when the parasite infestation is large and requires veterinary care.
As not all pets enjoy being given medication, the medication has been adjusted to support ease of use. The Spot-on is a very good example of this, as it allows the owner to apply the treatment, once every (1-3) month (depending on the product) to the pet in between the shoulder blades. Most pets do not mind this medication being applied.
As with many diseases, also ectoparasites develop a resistance to medication given. It is therefore important that you check with your vet regularly to ensure you have the correct and effective treatment, keeping both you and your pet safe from parasites.
Important tip: DO NOT TREAT YOUR PET PRIOR TO BRINGING HIM/HER TO THE BOARDING FACILITY, OR PRIOR TO TRAVELING. Often the facility would require seeing the application of the medication is done and Veterinarians need to sign off on official paperwork signing off that they have given the medication.
Contact ABVC at info@abvc.ae or call our clinic at 04 340 8601 for the pet skin consultation.
Written by Dr. Ellen Kruijning, ABVC veterinary doctor and founder.
