INTERNAL PARASITES

In addition to Filaria and Leishmania (see reference page), the main internal parasites are intestinal worms that cause gastrointestinal disturbances of varying intensity, which are especially serious in puppies as they can predispose them to infectious diseases or alter normal musculoskeletal development. 

It is puppies that are the most common hosts, as they can become infected either through the mother before birth or during lactation, or through the environment. 

The most common parasites are roundworms (roundworms, tricuridae, hookworms), flatworms (dipylidium) and protozoa (giardia, coccidia).

An examination of the faeces carried out by a veterinary surgeon will, in most cases, be able to find and differentiate the various parasites and thus be able to institute appropriate treatment with specific medical drugs. 

It should also be remembered that some parasites can also infect humans and that regular checks and treatment, therefore, reduce the risk of contagion, especially in situations where animals and children live together. 

EXTERNAL PARASITES

From the first months of life, our four-legged friends can be infested with external parasites such as fleas, mites, ticks, lice and skin fungus (mycosis). As well as being annoying, these small parasites can lead to diseases of varying intensity: for example, fleas are responsible for a form of skin irritation called DAP (flea allergy dermatitis), the transmission of tapeworm and, in cats, a serious form of anaemia brought on by a bacterium (haemobartonellosis). 

The main tick-borne diseases are babesiosis, borreliosis (Lyme disease), erlichiosis, and richettsiosis, responsible for serious and insidious clinical pictures. 

It is therefore important to adequately control external parasites to prevent disease outbreaks. Fortunately, today, many products are available on the market in various formulations (spot-on sprays, collars) and containing different active ingredients. The choice of product can therefore be made in agreement with your veterinary surgeon, taking into account the various properties (tolerability, low toxicity for man and the environment, manageability, high abatement efficacy, duration of activity and possible repellency) and the specific environmental situation.