Treatments for ectoparasites, which are parasites found living on the outside of an animal’s body, are recommended for our domestic pets, especially cats and dogs. But, what do these treatments actually cover our pets for and why is it important?
Let’s take a look at the different ectoparasites that can be covered with parasite medications, and why it is beneficial to treat our pets for endoparasites.
What are ectoparasites?
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the outside of our pets’ bodies. They can cause a variety of different health problems if not treated with prescription medications, such as skin irritation, baldness, sores, low red blood cells and a secondary worm burden.
We recommend treating your pets for ectoparasites routinely. Usually, this is on a monthly basis in the form of a tablet or a spot on treatment which is applied to the skin.
If you are unsure whether your pet is treated for ectoparasites, give us a call on 01623 203529 and we can check for you.
Common ectoparasites
Fleas – We all know the joys of fleas. Known for their ability to jump between 40 – 100 times their body length, these pesky parasites reproduce quickly and can soon infest an animal. Without proper treatment, fleas can lay eggs on the animal but also in carpets, bedding and even clothing.
Severe infestations can be hard to get on top of, so it is important to treat routinely – even in winter.
Ticks – Common in areas with long grass and foliage, ticks are small parasites that suck the blood from pets and even humans! The main risk with ticks is the diseases that they can transmit. One of the most common diseases is Lyme Disease, and this can be passed on to humans.
Ectoparasite treatments help to give you peace of mind that both you and your pets are safe from spreadable diseases.
Demodex mites – These mites live in the hair follicles and skin glands of our pets and can cause symptoms such as scratching, hair loss and sores. Whilst they are harmless, they can cause a substantial amount of irritation.
Demodex can also be passed to humans, so preventative treatment is essential.
Sarcoptic mange – These are mites that burrow into the skin to lay their eggs and as a result can cause a variety of skin problems. Intense itching, skin redness and hair loss are common symptoms of sarcoptic mange.
As with many ectoparasites, humans can contract sarcoptic mange from their pets, making routine treatment particularly important.
Cheyletiella – Also known as ‘Walking Dandruff’, Cheyletiella are parasites that live in the skin and can cause itching, skin flaking and irritation. Cheyletiella is highly contagious and can spread between species and can even be passed on to humans.
Pawsome Vets Pet Health Club
At Pawsome Vets, we know that pet care can be costly, and we aim to make preventative health care accessible to everyone.
That’s why we’ve introduced our Pet Health Club, offering affordable preventative treatments for your furry companions.
If you’re worried about ectoparasites, the Pet Health Club gives you complete peace of mind and takes away the pressure of sorting preventative medications.
The Pet Health Club also covers vaccinations, and nurse consultations, all for a low monthly fee. It ensures your pets stay protected while giving you peace of mind.
To explore our tailored plans, click here.
How do treatments work?
Most ectoparasite treatments are available in the form of either a spot on or tablet. That means if you struggle to give your pet tablets, you can use the spot on treatment on the skin, which will slowly absorb into their system, offering both treatment and protection.
Oral treatments – Often available in a chewable tablet form, oral treatments are ingested by our furry friends and contain ingredients that are absorbed into their bloodstream. When parasites bite, they ingest the treated blood, killing them on contact. Oral treatments offer fast treatment and prevention.
Spot on treatments – These are applied to our pets skin, often between the shoulder blades. The ingredients in the solution spread through the skin, oils and fur and kill parasites once they come into contact. Some spot on treatments prevent eggs from developing to avoid future infestations.
Both spot on and oral treatments work by attacking the parasite’s nervous system, leading to eradication.
Final thoughts on ectoparasite treatment
Regular ectoparasitic treatments are essential for protecting our pets from ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks and mites. By treating our pets routinely, we are able to protect them from contracting harmful diseases that could occur as a result of ectoparasites.
With Pawsome Vets’ Pet Health Club, staying on top of your pet’s preventative health care has never been easier. Plus, with the monthly affordable payments it gives you complete peace of mind.
For more information, give us a call on 01623 203529 or take a look at our health plans online.
