UNWANTED GUESTS WHEN PARASITES HITCH A RIDE IN YOUR PET This winter brought the first heartworm-positive dog we’ve ever treated at the practice. Heartworms are not endemic to our area, but this dog was adopted from a shelter down in Texas where heartworms are a big problem. Fortunately, it was too late in the season for mosquitoes to spread the parasite, and we were able to start treating our new friend right away. However, this case highlights exactly why we take parasite prevention and screening so seriously.
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things are great. Plus, Kevin’s dog, a heeler mix named Tuck, is my best friend. Tuck and I didn’t like each other much at first, but now we play all the time. Our favorite game is to chase each other around the couch, barking and running at full speed. I have no complaints about making Montana our new home.
Not long after we moved up, Zoey, Kevin’s daughter, had a birthday party. Taylor spent hours making Zoey a unicorn cake. It looked so good that I couldn’t resist! When Taylor left the kitchen, I jumped up on the counter. I only meant to take a little bite, but before I knew it, I’d eaten half the cake! Needless to say, I got in a lot of trouble. It wasn’t a great first impression, but I think I’ve made it up to Zoey by playing with her a lot. Montana is a pretty awesome place. I liked the constant sunshine in San Diego, but the adventures we’ve had here, especially in the snow, have been amazing. And to be honest, as long as I’m with Taylor, I’ll be happy anywhere in the world.
‘But we don’t go anywhere!’ Many people assume parasites come from deep in the woods or far-away
jungles. If their pet doesn’t go anywhere unusual, they don’t have to worry, right? Not so. Even going to the dog park can expose your dog to parasites. Many parasites are spread through waste, and the eggs can live in the soil for ages until they’re picked up by a new host. If your dog spends time in a place where other pets or wildlife have been, they’re at risk for picking up a parasite.
‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ If left unchecked, parasites can be incredibly destructive. Intestinal parasites can cause malnutrition, flea bites can give way to bacterial infections, and heartworms can result in lung disease, heart
Directions
failure, and organ damage. There are even some cases when parasites can transfer to humans. When this happens, it can have deadly consequences.
1. Heat oven to 325 F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, cat food, parsley, olive oil, and water. Add rice flour, cooked rice, and catnip. Mix until dough is thick but spreadable. 3. On the baking sheet, spread dough to 1/3-inch thickness. Place on middle rack in oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. 4. Carefully remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to touch. Dough will still be undercooked. Slice dough into bite-sized treats and return to the oven. Cook for 8 more minutes. 5. Remove treats from oven and let them cool completely before serving. Treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Echinococcus is a type of tapeworm known to infect Montana wildlife. If your dog or cat picks up this tapeworm from a dead raccoon or coyote, they can spread it to your family. These tapeworms result in cysts that, if they rupture, can cause allergic reactions or even death. ‘How can I help my pet?’ While there are treatments and medications that can quickly address most parasites, it’s not always an easy fix. In some cases, like with heartworms, the treatment can be just as difficult as the parasite itself. When it comes to your pet’s health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure your pet is up to date on all their vaccines, and if you think your pet might have a parasite, get them tested right away. It’s better to address the problem sooner rather than later. Just thinking about parasites in our pets can make our skin crawl; just imagine how your pets would feel if they got a parasite! Call 406.755.6886 and schedule an appointment to protect your pet from parasites today.
406.755.6886
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