Fleas, Ticks and Worms - Recommendations for Controlling Them

Fleas, Ticks and Worms - Recommendations for Controlling Them

By: Courtesy of Companion Animal Parasite Council

Recommendations for Parasite Control

Administer year-round treatment with heartworm preventives that have broad-spectrum activity against parasites with zoonotic potential.

Administer preventive flea and/or tick products year-round.

  • Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.

  • Conduct annual heartworm testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.

  • Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and provide fresh, potable water.

  • Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.

  • Administer anthelmintic treatment to puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.

  • Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment to kittens between 3 and 9 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.


  • Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring.


    If optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite products are not used:

  • Deworm puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age.

  • In kittens, begin biweekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.

  • Conduct fecal examinations two to four times a year in adult pets, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treat with appropriate parasiticides.

  • Test for heartworm status yearly in dogs and/or before starting preventive medications.

  • Tailor parasite prevention programs to parasite prevalence and pet lifestyle factors.


    http://www.petsandparasites.org/about/parasite-control-guidelines.html

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats