Parasites
There are five key parasites that pose a threat
to your dog's health. They are fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms
and whipworms. These parasites can affect all dogs—not just those
who live primarily outdoors. Here's a breakdown of the parasites that
can jeopardize the health of your pet:
• Heartworms.
Heartworms can be transmitted to pets by more than seventy species of
mosquitoes. And since mosquitoes can get indoors, all dogs are vulnerable.
The heartworm larvae develop within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites
the dog, it transfuses the larvae into the dog's body tissue. From
there, the larvae travel to the bloodstream and continue to develop into
adult worms. Adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and
pulmonary arteries where they restrict blood flow and cause organ damage.
Blockage and injury caused by heartworms may lead to heart failure and
liver and kidney damage. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing,
vomiting, weight loss, resistance to exercise, enlarged liver, abnormal
lung or heart sounds, collapse or convulsions and sudden death.
• Fleas.
Adult fleas jump onto your pet when they sense a host is near. There,
a female flea can lay up to fifty eggs each day. Eggs fall off your pet
and develop into worm-like larvae, which hide in carpeting, furniture,
bedding and other dark places. The larvae mature as they feed on fecal
matter dropped by adult fleas and the cycle continues. Fleas cause itching,
irritation, extreme discomfort, and sometimes lead to anemia and flea
allergy dermatitis. When ingested, fleas can spread tapeworms. Symptoms
of flea infections include itching, scratching and unusual amounts of
chewing and licking.
• Hookworms
(A. caninum). Hookworm eggs pass through the feces of an infected
dog into the soil where they develop into larvae. The larvae are easily
swallowed or can penetrate through your pet's feet. Hookworms attach to
your pet's intestinal lining, creating bleeding internal wounds. Symptoms
of a hookworm infection include weight loss, anemia and diarrhea.
• Roundworms.
Almost all puppies get roundworms from their mothers. Pets of all ages
can contract roundworms from the soil or from eating infected animals,
like rodents. Roundworm infections are usually accompanied by symptoms
such as diarrhea, vomiting, stunted growth, rough coat and a bloated belly.
• Whipworms.
Whipworm eggs are passed in feces and can survive for years in the soil.
Whipworm infections in pets are caused by ingestion of the eggs and usually
cause bloody diarrhea, anemia, dehydration and loss of appetite.
Because parasites can be found almost everywhere, the
effective way to reduce your pet's risk of infection to is to maintain
continuous, year round protection for your dog. SENTINEL® Flavor Tabs®
is the only oral, 5-in-1 product that protects dogs against hookworms
(A. caninum), roundworms, whipworms, heartworms and flea populations.
And because SENTINEL® Flavor Tabs® are oral flavor tabs, they
are clean, convenient and safe for households with children. Talk to your
veterinarian about the right parasite prevention program for your dog.
Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a
small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurological and skin side
effects may occur. Please see full product insert for
more information.
Poisoning
Poisoning is much easier to prevent than to treat.
And it never has to happen in the first place. Just remember:
• Never feed your dog chocolate.
• Always consult the veterinarian before giving your dog any over
the counter medicine.
• Prevent your dog from gaining access to rat poison, other rodenticides,
and household insecticides.
• Read and follow herbicide (weed or grass killer) instructions
regarding the length of time pets must be kept away from treated areas.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous
substance, call your veterinarian immediately.
For HUMAN Ingestion of a Novartis Animal Medication
ONLY they should contact Missouri Regional Poison Center Emergency at
866-333-7319
For PET Overdose of a Novartis Animal Health Product
contact Novartis Animal Health Technical Services (8 AM – 5 PM EST)
800-332-2761. If after hours contact the ASPCA at 800-345-4735
