How to Tell If Your Pet Has a Parasite

Parasites are more common than many pet parents realize. From intestinal worms to fleas and ticks, these pests can quickly impact your pet’s comfort and overall health. The sooner you spot the signs, the sooner your furry companion can get the treatment they need. At Brekke Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians in Castle Rock, CO provide expert parasite prevention and care at our convenient Aloha Street location.
 

Types of Parasites That Affect Pets

Pets can encounter several types of parasites throughout their lives. Some are external and easy to spot, while others live inside the body and may go unnoticed without routine screening. The most common include:

External Parasites

These pests live on the skin or coat and often cause itching or irritation:

• Fleas: Tiny, fast-moving insects that feed on blood and can lead to allergies, infection, and tapeworm transmission.

• Ticks: Attach to the skin and can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

• Mites: Can cause mange or ear infections, leading to hair loss, redness, and constant scratching.

Internal Parasites

These live inside your pet’s digestive or organ systems and are often harder to detect:

• Roundworms: Common in puppies and kittens; can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a bloated appearance.

• Tapeworms: Spread by fleas; segments may be visible near your pet’s rear or in stools.

• Hookworms: Attach to the intestinal lining and can cause blood loss and anemia.

• Giardia & Coccidia: Microscopic parasites that cause diarrhea and dehydration.

• Heartworms: Spread by mosquitoes; infest the heart and lungs and can be life-threatening if untreated.
 

Common Signs Your Pet May Have a Parasite

Every parasite affects pets differently, but these are some of the most frequent symptoms:

• Digestive Changes: Vomiting, diarrhea, or noticeable weight loss can indicate internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, or giardia. You may even see evidence of worms in your pet’s stool.

• Excessive Scratching or Biting: Fleas, mites, and ticks irritate the skin, causing itching and discomfort. Red patches, hair loss, or scabbing may appear where your pet scratches the most.

• Visible Parasites: Fleas can often be spotted when parting fur or seen as “flea dirt” (tiny black specks). Ticks may latch onto the skin, especially around the neck, ears, or between toes. Tapeworm segments may look like small grains of rice near your pet’s tail or bedding.

• Low Energy or Behavior Changes: Pets battling parasites often feel lethargic or less playful. This can be due to anemia, discomfort, or nutrient loss caused by parasite activity.

• Coughing or Breathing Issues: Heartworms and certain internal parasites can affect the lungs, leading to coughing or labored breathing. This requires immediate veterinary attention.
 

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you notice any signs of parasites, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early diagnosis can prevent serious health complications.

Our veterinarians in Castle Rock are here to help diagnose and treat a wide range of parasite issues. We’ll examine your pet, perform appropriate lab testing, and recommend the right preventive medication to keep them safe moving forward.
 

Stop Parasites Before They Spread

Parasites can be uncomfortable, dangerous, and easy to miss. By watching for warning signs and staying consistent with preventive care, you can help protect your pet’s health all year long.

Contact Brekke Veterinary Clinic to schedule your pet’s parasite prevention or wellness exam today. Visit our Aloha Street location in Castle Rock, Colorado, or call (303) 474-4260 to book an appointment.