Another great resolution for your pets for 2012 is to take control over parasites. Here in the Utica/Rome area of upstate NY, pets are exposed to a variety of parasites. Some of these parasites present health dangers to people as well as pets.
Ticks are an excellent example. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 204 pets tested positive for Lyme Disease in 2010 in Oneida County. Numbers for 2011 are not available yet but can be expected to be higher. Lyme Disease is spread by tick bites and can cause illness in people and animals.
Looking at internal parasites, in 2010, Herkimer County had 64 positive tests for hookworms. These parasites can be spread via fecal material contact with bare skin in both pets and people. Oneida County had 14 positive cases of heartworm in 2010.
From fleas to heartworm to roundworms, no one wants their pets to have parasites or to be exposed to parasites themselves. There are now excellent medications, topical or oral, to control parasite infestations. Discuss parasite control with your veterinarian now and budget for monthly parasite medications for the coming year. Your pets and your family will thank you.
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