Understanding Parasites in Pets: Prevention and Treatment

Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious health problems for pets and even put human family members at risk. From fleas and ticks to intestinal worms and heartworms, year-round parasite prevention is crucial to keeping your pet healthy.

At Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, we provide comprehensive parasite prevention and treatment plans for dogs and cats in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Glenwood, Iowa. In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Common parasites affecting pets
  • Signs of infestation and potential health risks
  • Effective prevention strategies
  • Treatment options for parasite-related diseases

Schedule a parasite screening or prevention consultation today.

Why Is Parasite Prevention Important?

Many pet owners only think about parasites during the warmer months, but fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms can be a threat year-round.

  • Parasites spread disease – Fleas and ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and flea allergy dermatitis.
  • Internal parasites weaken pets – Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and digestive problems.
  • Some parasites affect humans – Certain parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can infect people, particularly children.
  • Prevention is easier than treatment – Many parasite-related illnesses are costly and difficult to treat but easy to prevent with regular veterinary care.

Read why year-round parasite prevention is so important.

Common Parasites in Pets and How to Protect Against Them

1. Fleas: More Than Just an Itchy Problem

Fleas are one of the most common external parasites in dogs and cats. They thrive in warm, humid environments but can also survive indoors during winter.

Signs of Fleas:
  • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin
  •  Red, irritated skin or hair loss (especially at the base of the tail)
  •  Presence of flea dirt (tiny black specks) in the fur
  • Pale gums (in cases of flea-related anemia)

Health Risks:

  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) – A severe allergic reaction to flea saliva
  • Tapeworm infections – Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae
  • Anemia – Severe flea infestations can cause life-threatening blood loss in kittens and puppies

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Use veterinarian-approved flea preventatives (topical treatments, oral medications, flea collars).
  • Treat all pets in the household, as fleas spread quickly.
  • Wash pet bedding and vacuum regularly to eliminate flea eggs.

Learn more about flea allergy dermatitis in pets.

2. Ticks: Carriers of Dangerous Diseases

Ticks can attach to pets (and people) and transmit diseases within 24–48 hours. They are most active in spring and summer but can remain a threat year-round in mild climates.

Signs of Tick Infestation:
  •  Ticks visible on the skin, especially around the head, ears, and neck
  • Small scabs or irritation at tick attachment sites
  • Lethargy, fever, or joint pain (possible tick-borne illness symptoms)

Diseases Spread by Ticks:

  • Lyme disease – Causes fever, joint pain, and kidney problems
  • Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis – Affect blood cells and immune function
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever – A bacterial infection that can cause severe illness

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Use veterinary-approved tick preventatives (topicals, chewables, or collars).
  • Perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
  • Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats.

Read CDC guidelines on preventing ticks on pets.

3. Heartworms: A Deadly Threat to Dogs and Cats

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and affects both dogs and cats. Unlike fleas or ticks, heartworms live inside the heart and lungs, leading to life-threatening complications.

Signs of Heartworm Disease:
  •  Persistent cough
  •  Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
  •  Weight loss and difficulty breathing
  •  Collapse (in severe cases)

Heartworm Facts:

  • Heartworm disease is fatal if left untreated.
  • Cats can get heartworms too, but symptoms are different and often misdiagnosed as asthma.
  • Treatment for dogs is expensive and risky, but prevention is simple and affordable.

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Give monthly heartworm prevention year-round.
  • Test dogs annually for heartworms, even if they are on preventatives.
  • There is no safe heartworm treatment for cats, so prevention is essential.

View the 2024 heartworm prevalence map to see risk levels in your area.

4. Intestinal Parasites: Worms That Affect Digestive Health

Dogs and cats can contract intestinal worms from contaminated soil, feces, or infected prey.

Common Types of Worms:
  • Roundworms – Can cause bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting in puppies and kittens
  • Hookworms – Attach to the intestinal lining, leading to blood loss and anemia
  • Whipworms – Cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss
  • Tapeworms – Often transmitted through flea infestations

Prevention & Treatment:

  • Deworm puppies and kittens early, as they can be born with worms.
  • Keep outdoor areas clean and pick up pet waste promptly.
  • Use monthly broad-spectrum parasite preventatives to protect against worms.
  • Annual fecal exams help detect and treat parasites before they cause harm.

Learn more about intestinal parasites in cats and dogs.

Protect Your Pet with Year-Round Parasite Prevention

At Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, we offer:

  • Comprehensive parasite screenings (blood tests, fecal exams, and skin evaluations)
  • Customized parasite prevention plans based on your pet’s lifestyle
  • Safe and effective treatment options for flea, tick, and heartworm infestations

Concerned About Parasites? Schedule an Appointment Today.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—preventative care is the best defense against parasites.

Request an appointment now.