Are you travelling this summer? Are you going camping? Are you using the trails in Red Deer? Does your dog go to Three Mile Bend or The Oxbow Off Leash Dog Park? If you answered yes to any of these questions your pet will require parasite prevention medication.
Parasite Distribution Across Regions
Here in Alberta we only have a handful of parasites but other provinces and the US have so much more. Let’s take a look at where these pesky parasites live.
NWT/Yukon/Nunavut: Ticks, Fleas
BC: Ticks, Fleas, Heartworm
AB: Ticks, Fleas
SK: Ticks, Fleas
MB: Ticks, Fleas, Heartworm (southern MB)
ON: Ticks, Fleas, Heartworm, Lungworm
QC: Ticks, Fleas, Heartworm, Lungworm
Atlantic Provinces: Ticks, Fleas, Heartworm, Lungworm
Travel Considerations and Parasite Prevention
If you’re travelling to the US always mention where you’re going so your veterinarian can ensure you’re getting the right medications for the parasites in that area.
All provinces and the US have intestinal parasites which most dewormers prescribed by your veterinarian will kill. Dewormers are usually broad spectrum but some only get certain parasites like fleas and ticks.
Risks of Parasite Infestation
If you are staying in Red Deer fleas and ticks can linger around the dog parks, walking trails and heavily wooded or grassy areas surrounding Central Alberta.
Ticks- carry Lyme disease
Fleas- make your pet uncomfortable and will bite you
Heartworm-is spread by mosquitoes and is fatal if left untreated
Lungworm-if not treated can cause lung infections and respiratory problems
Intestinal parasites- can cause your pet to vomit, have diarrhea, and can cause malnutrition
Conclusion
Parasite prevention is the best medicine! I am sure you do not want pesky parasites living in your house, on your family members or on you. Please contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital to talk about parasite prevention today.
Written by Taylor, RVT