Anti-parasites | Florence | Il Poggetto Veterinary Clinic

Internal and external parasites

Internal parasites

In addition to filariosis and leishmaniasis, the main internal parasites include intestinal worms that cause gastrointestinal disturbances of varying intensity, which are particularly severe in puppies as they can predispose them to infectious diseases or disrupt normal musculoskeletal development.

Puppies are the most common hosts for these parasites, as they can become infested through the mother either before birth or during nursing, or through their environment.

The most common internal parasites include roundworms (ascarids, trichurids, hookworms), flatworms (dipylidium), and protozoa (giardia, coccidia).

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A stool examination conducted by a veterinarian can usually detect and differentiate the various parasites, allowing for appropriate treatment with specific medical drugs.

It is also important to note that some parasites can infest humans, so regular check-ups and scheduled treatments are essential to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly in situations where animals and children live together.

External parasites

From the early months of life, our four-legged friends can be infested with external parasites such as fleas, mites, ticks, lice, and skin fungi (mycoses).

These small parasites are not only bothersome but can also cause diseases of varying severity. For example, fleas can cause a type of skin irritation known as DAP (flea allergy dermatitis), transmit tapeworms, and, in cats, cause a severe form of anaemia caused by a bacterium (haemobartonellosis).

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The main tick-borne diseases include babesiosis, borreliosis (Lyme disease), ehrlichiosis, and rickettsiosis, which are responsible for serious and insidious clinical conditions.

Therefore, it is important to implement effective measures against external parasites to prevent the onset of diseases.

Fortunately, a variety of products are available on the market today in different formulations (spot-on, sprays, collars) and containing various active ingredients.

The choice of product should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, taking into account the various properties (tolerability, low toxicity to the animal, human, and environment, ease of use, high efficacy, duration of activity, and any repellent effect) and the specific environmental situation.