Common Parasites in Pets and How to Prevent Them
Paws at Play Resort & Daycare | North Royalton, Ohio
At Paws at Play Resort & Daycare, we see the happy side of pet life every day- tail wags at drop-off, mid-day zoomies, post-grooming struts. But behind the scenes, we’re just as committed to making sure those good times stay safe, healthy, and parasite-free.
That’s why we take parasite prevention seriously, and why we require all pets in our care to stay current on preventative measures. The reality is, parasites are a risk no matter how clean your home is or how watchful you may be. The good news? You have more control over prevention than you think.
Let’s break it down, and talk about how your pet might encounter parasites in day-to-day life, and what you can do to protect them.
How Parasites Actually Get to Your Pet
Most pet owners imagine fleas or ticks as things you pick up in the woods. That’s true, but it’s just the beginning. Parasites are surprisingly good at sneaking into our lives- and into your pet’s routine.
- Your puppy tags along on a visit to a friend’s house. Their outdoor cat snuck in recently and left a flea on the couch. Now it’s on your lap- and in your pup’s fur.
- Your dog eats a mouthful of dirt at a local dog park, unknowingly ingesting roundworm or hookworm eggs left behind by another animal.
- You brush past decorative grasses near your front porch. A tick latches onto your jeans, and when your dog jumps up to greet you, it gets transferred- along with a potential disease.
- Your indoor cat grooms herself after a flea rides in on a visitor’s pant leg. Just one bite later, she’s now a host.
- You travel to visit family out of state. Their midwestern home has a damp basement where mosquitoes overwinter. Your dog, off heartworm meds for the cold Colorado winter, gets bitten- and exposed.
Parasites don’t need a wilderness adventure to find your pet. They just need a moment.
What Types of Parasites Are Most Common?
At Paws at Play, we’re most concerned about both internal and external parasites- not just because of the health issues they cause, but because of how easily they can spread in group environments.
Fleas are fast and nearly invisible. They cause itching, discomfort, and in many cases, flea allergy dermatitis. Even indoor-only pets can get them if one hitches a ride into the house.
Ticks are more than a nuisance- they’re known carriers of diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichiosis.
Mites, including both skin and ear mites, can trigger intense itching, ear infections, or even hair loss. These are especially common in pets with compromised immune systems or those recently adopted from high-risk environments.
Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia often go unnoticed by pet owners. Many are picked up from contaminated soil or surfaces, and can be transmitted through licking, grooming, or eating off shared surfaces.
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause permanent damage to the heart and lungs. We cannot stress enough that this disease is entirely preventable with consistent medication.
Because many of these parasites can spread before symptoms are obvious, we have very strict entry requirements for pets staying with us. These include regular fecal testing, flea and heartworm prevention, and up-to-date vaccinations. You can review the full requirements and services for our Canine Resort and Feline Resort.
Why We Require Preventative Care- Even for Indoor Pets
Some pet parents are surprised to learn that even indoor-only cats and dogs must stay on parasite prevention to attend our Doggie Daycare, but there’s a good reason for it.
Parasites don’t respect indoor boundaries. Fleas and ticks can ride in on clothing or other pets. Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can make it inside through windows or doors. And intestinal parasites? Those can come from shared surfaces, grooming sessions, or even a quick lick of a paw that just came in from the yard.
We follow strict cleaning protocols and screen every pet who walks through our doors- but it only works if every pet family does their part.
Year-Round Parasite Prevention Isn’t Optional
We require all pets to stay current on heartworm and flea prevention year-round, with updated fecal tests every six months. That might seem strict, but the alternative is much worse- exposure, illness, and potentially putting other pets at risk.
If you’ve paused parasite prevention during the winter months or have questions about the best products for your pet’s age, weight, or breed, we recommend reaching out to our next-door veterinary clinic at North Royalton Animal Hospital. They can help you choose safe, effective preventatives and even schedule an appointment to discuss testing and treatment options.
What You Can Do at Home
Preventing parasites is a team effort. While we keep things clean on our end, here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve at home:
- Use vet-recommended parasite preventatives year-round, not just in the warm seasons.
- Schedule regular fecal exams through your veterinary provider, ideally every six months.
- Avoid unregulated natural remedies– some are ineffective, and others can be harmful.
- Keep your yard tidy, remove standing water, and limit access to wooded or brushy areas during peak tick seasons.
- After walks or hikes, inspect your dog’s coat and ears. Ticks are small but not invisible.
- Use the right grooming tools, especially if your pet is prone to skin irritation. We can always help with safe, professional grooming at our Grooming Spa.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Parasite prevention might not be the most glamorous part of pet care, but it’s one of the most important. At Paws at Play, we’re here to support both your pet’s wellness and your peace of mind- whether it’s catching early signs of discomfort during daycare, offering recommendations at pickup, or helping you connect with our veterinary partners.
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s parasite prevention is up to date, we encourage you to contact us or speak to your vet at North Royalton Animal Hospital about building a plan that fits your pet’s lifestyle.
Because when it comes to parasites, prevention is far easier- and far safer- than treatment.
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