Common Pet Parasites in Colorado

Dr. Jay Brekke, DVM is a leading vet in Castle Rock who has helped thousands of animals avoid the troubling effects of a parasitic infestation. He offers a range of oral medications and topical ointments that offer external parasite prevention, which protects against things like fleas and ticks, and internal parasite prevention, which protects against the things they carry. He also offers accurate testing to rule out intestinal parasites and other health problems; if a diagnosis is confirmed, he and his team can provide effective treatment.

4 Common Pet Parasites Prevented & Treated By Our Castle Rock Veterinarian

Parasites and bacteria will often hitch a ride on ticks, fleas, and mosquitos other bugs. If one of these disease-carrying critters bites a cat or dog that hasn't been protected through pet parasite prevention in Castle Rock, then the bug could transmit the parasite into the animal. 

Here are 4 nefarious creatures that can find their way into a suspecting animal and lead to some uncomfortable--and in some cases life-threatening--problems:

Heartworms

These worms are transmitted in the larval stage via mosquitos. Once in an animal's bloodstream, they lodge and grow in blood vessels of the heart and other organs. They can grow up to 10-28 inches long, live for months to years, and if left untreated can lead to organ failure or even death. 

Roundworms & Hookworms

Virtually all kittens and puppies are born with roundworms (hence routine "de-worming" for your young pet), and while slightly less common, hookworms are also present in our part of the country, too. These worms live in an animal's intestinal tract and can lead to symptoms like coughing, weight loss, and a distended stomach. They spread via a "fecal-oral" transmission, so if your animal eats feces or even are exposed to parasitic eggs in the environment, then they can become infected.

Protecting your pet against roundworms and heartworms is not just good for your pet, but good for you and your family, too. Roundworms and certain types of hookworms are zoonotic, which means they can pass from animals to humans!

Tapeworms

These flat-shaped worms are transmitted into an unprotected animal via a flea bite and also live in the intestines. You may be able to see these parasites in your pet's feces (they look like little wriggling grains of rice).  While rarely a risk for people and typically don't lead to serious health problems for animals, tapeworms can leech nutrition from the food your pet eats. 

Looking for Pet Parasite Prevention for Your Animal Companion? Call Our Veterinarian in Castle Rock, CO Today 

Dr. Jay Brekke is a veterinarian in Castle Rock CO who has provided quality parasite prevention for thousands of cats and dogs in the Douglas County area. Do your part to protect your dog or cat from the perils of intestinal parasites and other flea- and tick-borne diseases by calling the Brekke Veterinary Clinic today at . You can schedule a pet wellness exam now or to chat with a friendly staff member about our other veterinary services.