This post is sponsored by Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness about protection against common parasites found in dogs but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. More information about Sentinel Spectrum. Virbac is not responsible for the content of this article.
Last month I talked to you about Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® – a way to protect your pup from some of the God awful parasites out there that want to reek havoc on your furry best friend. From fleas, and heartworms to tapeworms and roundworms, there are dangers lurking everywhere, all the time,- even places you might not think to look – all year long.
Heartworms.
There is only one way for a dog to get heartworms – through an infected mosquito. As you know even with us, it’s nearly impossible to be outside and not get bit by a mosquito at least once; how much harder would it be for your dog? Most dogs go outside several times a day, so year-round prevention is critical
Heartworm disease is a very painful excruciating disease that no dog lover would ever want to see their loving pet be put through. Heartworm preventative care such as Virbac Sentinel Spectrum is much more affordable than treating a case after the fact.
Tapeworms.
Dogs get tapeworms by ingesting flea larva. (you know when they are biting at a flea that’s biting them – they get the larva that flea hasn’t laid yet). The tapeworm egg continue to develop – and the tapeworms head attaches to your dog’s intestines. See where I’m going here?
Not only are tapeworms extremely uncomfortable, but they can be deadly– especially puppies, kittens and sick dogs.
Controlling fleas will help lessen the likelyhood of your dog developing tapeworms, but preventative care eliminates the issue altogether.
Roundworms.
Roundworms are the most common parasitic worm found in dogs. Almost all dogs become infected at some point in their lives (usually as puppies). They are contracted in different ways, which makes it easy to spread and very hard to control. Roundworm eggs accumulate in significant numbers in the dirt where pets leave feces.
Dogs with major roundworm infections can show signs like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, etc.
Roundworms can be very harmful to humans – they can cause problems in your eyes, lungs, heart and cause other neurological issues.
Hookworms.
Hookworms can infect dogs through their skin or by ingestion. (their eggs can live in soil – which as you know, dogs walk in, play in, etc). The hookworm attaches itself to the lining of the intestines (somewhat like the roundworm) and feeds on tissue and blood. It’s eggs eject into the digestive tract. It can cause life-threatening disease, like severe anemia and horrible diarrhea.
Whipworms.
Whipworms are one of the most infectious worms that infect dogs. They live in the cecum and large intestine, and can cause severe irritation. The eggs are very resistant to drying and heat and can live up to 5 YEARS in soil, etc. Whipworm is not infectious to humans, but can cause extreme pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss and general debilitation in dogs.
Fortunately there is a way to control these – with Sentinel Spectrum.
Sentinel Spectrum is a tasty chew that helps protect your dog against all 3 parasite groups – heartworm, intestinal parasites, and fleas. Available by prescription only Sentinel Spectrum is available in 4 different sizes and can be used safely for dogs 6 weeks or older.
To learn more about Sentinel Spectrum ask your veterinarian if Sentinel Spectrum is right for your dog (please read the production information here).
Also, be sure to download the rebate form to save!
Think you know all there is to know about the parasites that plague your pup? Take this survey and check back here on the blog next month to see how you did!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum®. The opinions and text are all mine.
