Ectoparasites

Ear mites
Live in the ear canal
Cause itchiness, build up of debris (may appear as dry, black, crumbly matter)
Veterinarians diagnose by looking in ear with an otoscope or looking at an ear swab under a microscope
No risk to humans, but can infest other pets in your home

Fleas

Small parasites you may be able to see jumping and crawling on your pets skin

In some cases the only signs of fleas you will see is flea dirt this is flea feces; looks like little spots of dirt and will turn red if you get it wet
Cause painful biting
Bites can lead to health problems if left untreated
Cause skin irritations, tapeworms and anemia (low level of red blood cells)
Cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)-causes your pet to lick, chew, and scratch to the point of causing open sores and serious skin infections

Ask us about flea treatments that are available like Advantage or Program.
 

Endoparasites

Roundworms

Usually transmitted from the mother before birth, by the mothers milk or from the ground. Mature roundworms are quite large and look like spaghetti and can interfere with digestion, leaving him/her debilitated

In humans; ingesting a worm egg can lead to visceral larva migraines, a disease in which larvae may affect the liver, lung, eyes and brain

Tapeworm

Two types; one of them acquired when a puppy licks and ingests a flea infected

with tapeworm off it's fur, and another is acquired from hunting small animals
Looks like small pieces of rice around your pets anus or in feces

Heartworm

Infection acquired from being bitten by a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larva
Larva develop into adult worms in blood vessels of the lung and in the heart; cause serious heart and lung problems, even death

There are only certain areas that carry heartworm throughout Canada and the States. It is much easier to prevent heartworm than to treat it; there are many safe prevention products that are usually given monthly through mosquito season; many of these products can also treat intestinal worms and fleas

Hookworm

Pets can ingest hookworm from mothers milk or directly through the skin Hookworms are small; feed by sucking blood from the intestine

There is a risk to humans; may cause itchy rash