Why is parasite control a top priority for dog health?
According to CDC statistics, dogs that are not dewormed have a 7-fold increased risk of contracting tick-borne diseases (such as Lyme disease)! Parasites not only cause anemia and skin diseases, but may also threaten human health (such as hookworm zoonosis). This guide combines the latest recommendations of the 2024 AAFP (American Pet Parasite Committee) to provide a comprehensive solution from drug selection to environmental management.

📌 Classification and harm of internal and external parasites
Internal parasites
Intestinal worms: roundworms, hookworms

Symptoms: bloody diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal swelling.

Heartworm

Transmission: mosquito bites, incubation period of 6 months, 100% mortality rate without treatment!

External parasites
Fleas: cause allergic dermatitis and spread tapeworms.

Ticks: spread Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis.

Scabies: Severe itching, scabs on the skin.

💊 Scientific Selection Guide for Antiparasitic Drugs (Oral/Drops/Collar Comparison)
Oral drugs
Advantages: Quickly kill fleas and ticks (take effect within 12 hours), waterproof.

Disadvantages: Need to be fed regularly, some dogs may vomit.

Applicable to: Active outdoor dogs, swimming dogs.

Drops
Advantages: Easy to use, partially repellent.

Disadvantages: Take effect in 48 hours, may lose efficacy after bathing.

Applicable to: Dogs sensitive to oral drugs.

Antiparasitic collars
Advantages: Long-term protection (8 months), waterproof.

Disadvantages: May cause neck dermatitis, use with caution in puppies.

🚨 Emergency treatment: How to deal with fleas/ticks found?

First aid steps for flea outbreaks
Isolate dogs: Prevent spread to other pets/homes.

Quick flea control: Use Capstar immediately (take effect in 30 minutes).

Environmental disinfection: vacuum the carpet + spray insecticide.

Continuous prevention: use oral/drop medication monthly.

Safe removal of ticks

Tools: special tick clips or tweezers.

Steps:

Clip the tick's head (close to the skin).

Pull it out vertically and slowly to avoid residual mouthparts.

Disinfect the wound with iodine and save the tick for inspection (to detect pathogens).

Taboos:

❌ Do not burn or twist the tick with alcohol, fire or twist it (increase the risk of infection through saliva secretion).

🌿 Is natural therapy feasible? Safety and risks

Effective solution:
✅ Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on the carpet to physically kill flea larvae.

✅ Dilute lemongrass essential oil and spray it on dog beds (to repel ticks).

High-risk traps:
❌ Garlic, onion (toxic!), vinegar solution (irritating the skin).

❗ Treatment of abnormal reactions after deworming
Mild reactions (common): vomiting, lethargy → observe for 24 hours and provide warm water.

Emergency medical treatment: epilepsy, difficulty breathing → possible drug allergy, adrenaline treatment is required.

Prevention is better than cure: 5 environmental management tips
Weekly vacuuming: focus on cleaning the gaps between sofas and dog beds.

Outdoor protection: spray boric acid solution in the yard (kill flea eggs).

Isolate new pets: deworm new dogs before they enter the house.

Wash and dry regularly: wash the doghouse with 60°C hot water.

Avoid high-risk areas: reduce grass activities during the high-incidence season of ticks.

Conclusion: Parasites are omnipresent! Check your dog's deworming record immediately, and forward this article to help more dogs stay away from risks.

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