Tick season has begun. And the mosquitoes are coming. Yes, the warmer weather is pleasant, and most Manitobans understand the importance of enjoying it with applications such as bug repellent and sunscreen.
But what about our pets? What is parasite season?
“Basically, anytime the temperature goes above freezing, it’s parasite season,” says veterinarian Amritpal Baath. “Along with the ticks, fleas can be out when the temperature becomes more favourable, and as the temperature warms up further, like above 14℃, the mosquito activity also increases.”
In other words, dogs and cats encounter parasites between April and November, with Heartworm season from June to November. Dogs can contract diseases like Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis by a tick bite, which can adversely affect a pet’s different vital organs and joints.
Heartworm disease, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, can affect a pet’s heart, lungs, blood vessels and other vital organs.Pet owners may notice their animal coughing, experiencing weight loss, having difficulty breathing and seeming constantly tired. Early detection is important, and preventative steps can be taken as well.
At Clearspring Animal Hospital, Dr. Baath and his team are able to screen for a number of diseases in a single diagnostic test.
“With the 4DX test we screen pets for four diseases,” he explains. “It includes Heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.”
Annual 4DX tests are recommended for dogs and cats, and preventative treatment should be administered as well. A pet owner primarily concerned about Heartworms can ensure their dog or cat receives specific medication, and combinations of medication are available to guard against both Heartworms and ticks.
Also, these preventative medications provide protection against fleas, lice and ear mites, depending on the product.
These preventative medications are given as chewable treats and can mix right in with a pet’s food. Topical versions of the medications are available if required.
“Prevention is cheaper than treating the diseases themselves,” Dr. Baath explains. “These preventatives are safe when given according to the label instructions, as per the veterinarian’s recommendation.”
The health benefits of preventative treatments include humans, too.
For example, if a dog’s Lyme disease test has come back positive, it means the pet has been exposed to the tick that carries the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, and humans in the vicinity are now also prone to the disease. After exposure to the Lyme organism, 90% of humans will ultimately develop symptoms, but only about 5% of dogs will experience the disease.”
And if the dog is not on any preventative treatment, it can harbour the ticks, which can lay more eggs, causing further issues of infestation.”
Other important pet parasites are fleas, which cause itching and scratching in pets, and can cause tapeworm transmission as well.
Cats, too, can contract Heartworm disease, although it’s less common. But the ticks they pick up can cause serious diseases, such as Cytauxzoonosis. Thankfully, modern preventative medication can cover everything from ticks and fleas to Heartworms and ear mites.
“You name it, we can cover it,” says Dr. Baath.
As the medications much be prescribed, and Dr. Baath points out that a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) should be maintained to get them dispensed.
“VCPR means that a veterinarian should have seen your pet at least once in the past 12 months,” he says. “The other advantage of visiting the veterinarian is to rule out any underlying medical condition on physical examination, and then decide which preventative option is most suitable according to the pet’s needs.”
Dr. Baath looks at prevention as the primary defense against these parasitic diseases.
“Make sure your dog or cat has the prevention and the test it needs for the recommended season,” he says.
Clearspring Animal Hospital is located at 38010 Municipal 35 Rd E in Blumenort. They can be reached by calling (204) 346-1429, and information regarding preventative screenings and treatments is available on their website.
