Pets, Parasites, and Prevention
The word “parasite” can sound horrific yet it’s fairly common for a dog or cat to be infected with an internal or external parasite in its lifetime. And even though warm weather allows some pests like fleas to thrive, parasites can affect your pets year-round. But don’t worry, with prevention and attention you can minimize the risks and threats.
Internal parasites include heartworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, whereas external parasites include fleas, mites, and ticks. Parasites can affect your pets in a variety of ways from simple irritations to potentially life-threatening conditions if not treated. Some parasites can even present a risk to family members, so it’s important to keep your pets healthy and parasite-free.
Consult with your veterinarian to devise a yearly parasite control program. Follow these simple tips to better protect your pets, your family, and yourself.
- Maintain good personal hygiene for you and your pets.
- Use year-round preventative flea and tick treatments.
- Feed your pets cooked and prepared food only. No raw meat!
- Minimize exposure to high-traffic pet areas.
- Regularly dispose of pet feces.
- Visit the veterinarian for annual exams and testing.
- Administer worming medications recommended by your veterinarian.
- Consult your veterinarian regarding parasite infection risks and prevention.
Partners Against Parasites
Armed Forces Insurance and our partner Embrace Pet Insurance can help you protect your pets from pesky parasites. Embrace’s comprehensive accident and illness insurance has your dogs or cats covered when the unexpected happens, including breed-specific conditions, chronic conditions, cancer, dental illnesses, and preventable conditions like Lyme disease, parvo, and parasites. Plus, Embrace’s optional Wellness Rewards* plan can be purchased to cover routine and preventative care including flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Get your free quote in minutes.
For more information about pet parasites, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).
*Wellness Rewards is offered as a supplementary, non-insurance benefit administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency in the United States. Wellness Rewards is not available in Rhode Island.
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