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All dogs and cats are at risk of pesky parasites – ticks, fleas and intestinal worms. As there are many common misconceptions about how to treat and protect your pets from these harmful pests, it’s time to debunk the myths. We got our facts straight with veterinarian Dr Liisa Ahlstrom from Bayer Animal Health.
1. MYTH: Intestinal worming treatments stop your pet from getting worms
FACT: If your pet has worms, their environment will be contaminated with infectious worm eggs (larvae), so they’re likely to be continually reinfected between worming treatments.
2. MYTH: All flea and tick treatments prevent fleas and ticks from biting your pet
FACT: Unlike treatments that kill on contact, some products rely on parasites biting your pet to be exposed to the toxin in the bloodstream and be killed.
3. Indoor-only dogs and cats don’t need to be on a heartworm preventative
FACT: Mosquitoes can, and do, fly into your home, too!
4. MYTH: Giving your children worming treatments will protect them against worms from pets
FACT: The best way to protect humans from the harmful effects of zoonotic (transmitted from pets to people) worms is to keep your pets free from worms with continuous preventative treatment, clean up pet faeces daily and teach the kids good hand hygiene.
5. MYTH: Intestinal worms aren’t dangerous for pets
FACT: Hookworm infection can kill a puppy within days without intensive care.
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