Putting Pet Health Before Your Own Vanity

As a pet owner, ensuring your furry friends are happy and healthy should be a top priority. However, its easy to get caught up in your own appearance and neglect potential pet health issues. When it comes to your animals though, it's important to put "fleas before beauty" - address parasites and skin problems before worrying about your flawless image.

Common Parasites in Pets

Parasites like fleas, ticks, mites and worms can plague our pets. These nasty bugs feast on your pets blood, transmit bacteria and viruses, and can cause significant irritation, discomfort and even death if left untreated.

Fleas

Fleas are extremely common external parasites in cats and dogs. They feed on your pet's blood and can multiply exponentially. Fleas also expose pets (and even humans) to diseases like typhus, plague and bartonellosis.

Ticks

Ticks attach themselves to dogs and cats to gorge on blood. They are vectors for many serious illnesses in pets such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and babesiosis.

Mites

Microscopic mites cause intense itchiness and skin irritation in dogs and cats. Ear mites tunnel into ear canals while mange mites burrow under the skin. Both can lead to painful bacterial or yeast infections if not controlled.

Intestinal Worms

Common internal worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms live in the digestive system where they rob nutrients and blood from the body. They also shed eggs that contaminate the environment.

Signs Your Pet Has Parasites

Watch for these indications that your pet may be hosting pesky parasites:

Excessive scratching, licking, biting or rubbing
Skin irritation or recurring ear infections
Bald patches or scaly skin
Changes in appetite or increased hunger
Diarrhea, vomiting or weight loss
Abdominal bloating or dull hair coat
Difficulty breathing or tiredness
Visible parasites crawling through fur

Protecting Animal Health Over Vanity

When you notice any symptoms of parasites, it's crucial to schedule a veterinary exam rather than simply hiding skin flaws with clothing or messy hair. Put your pets needs before your own appearance. Prioritizing flea control and skin treatments over beauty routines demonstrates selfless love.

Grooming Appointments

Sometimes matted, unbrushed fur draws attention away from underlying skin conditions related to parasites. But regularly brushing your pet helps monitor for bites, sores, irritation, and parasites crawling around. Dont cancel grooming sessions simply because they dont fit your schedule or you have a special event coming up.

Medications & Topicals

There are many effective oral and topical parasite treatments available including flea/tick prevention and dewormers. Work these into your beauty budget and make applying medications part of your daily routine even when it means messy fur or stained furniture.

Follow Up Exams

Follow your veterinarians advice for rechecks and lab testing to ensure any parasites are fully eliminated after starting treatment. Follow up vet visits should take clear precedence over spa days and hair appointments.

The Effects of Untreated Parasites

Failing to promptly detect and treat parasites can have devastating impacts on your beloved pet. Always put your companion's health and comfort first by addressing parasites before vanity.

Skin Infections

Intense parasitic infestations often open wounds vulnerable to bacterial or yeast overgrowth. Paw licking, tail chewing, ear head shaking and skin gnawing can also introduce infection. Seek medication to calm inflammation and treat secondary skin infections.

Anemia

Certain parasites like fleas, ticks, hookworms and whipworms feed on your pets blood leading to a deficiency of healthy red blood cells. Watch for lethargy, weakness and reduced oxygen circulation.

Diarrhea & Dehydration

Parasites irritate the gut lining and can cause nutrient malabsorption. This leads to acute gastrointestinal upset. Always encourage proper hydration and seek medication for diarrhea control if it persists beyond 24 hours.

Seizures & Neurologic Issues

Some parasites release toxins that directly impact the central nervous system. Monitor pets with parasites closely for seizures, tremors, wobbly gait, aggression and other neurological abnormalities.

Organ Damage

Certain parasites like heartworms and some tapeworm species migrate to organs like the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. Here they block circulation, prompt inflammation, and impair vital functions.

Death

In advanced cases, parasites can ultimately overwhelm a pets system leading to shock, organ failure and death. Senior, very young and immunocompromised pets face the highest risk of mortality.

Preventing Parasites in Pets

While parasites pose many serious dangers for companion animals, pet parents can take proactive steps to avoid infestations from the start.

Monthly Preventatives

Administering year-round heartworm, flea and tick prevention medication protects most pets from common parasites. Have a reminder system so doses are never missed or delayed.

Routine Vet Checks

Wellness visits allow vets to screen pets for parasites through lab work and physical exams. Stay on schedule with recommended vaccine boosters and diagnostic testing.

Prompt Treatment

If parasites do occur, immediately begin treatment as directed rather than postponing care. Completely eliminating parasites quickly is essential.

Environmental Control

Use flea and tick sprays around the home, wash bedding regularly, clean up waste promptly, bathe pets often and check each dog or cat thoroughly for parasites during grooming sessions.

Avoid Infested Areas

Steer clear of known tick habitats when walking or hiking with pets. Stick to mowed grassy areas and stay on marked trails to reduce risks.

Show Your Pets Some Love

Caring for pets requires prioritizing their comfort and wellbeing above your own. Instead of obsessing over your human appearance, redirect that energy into protecting your furry companions.

Shower your cats and dogs with compassion by keeping them safe, happy and parasite-free year round. Recognize minor skin and coat issues early, treat promptly and prevent major health consequences.

Your pet deserves a life filled with joy - not parasites. So put fleas before beauty every single time.

FAQs

Why is my pet's health more important than my looks?

Pets rely on owners to tend to their wellbeing. Parasites and skin conditions can quickly escalate if left untreated, leading to infection, illness, and even death in pets if not promptly addressed.

What are signs my pet may have parasites?

Excessive scratching/licking, skin irritation, hair loss, changes in appetite/weight, diarrhea/vomiting, lethargy and visible bugs in the coat indicate parasites.

How can parasites harm my pet?

Parasites feed on blood, transmit disease, damage skin and gut lining, release toxins, and migrate to organs. This causes infection, anemia, diarrhea, organ failure and potentially death.

What routine care helps prevent parasites?

Monthly preventatives, veterinary well checks to screen for parasites, prompt treatment when issues occur, environmental control and avoiding tick habitats help protect pets.

Why does my pet's health come first?

Pets depend entirely on owners for appropriate medical care. Prioritizing their comfort demonstrates selfless love and compassion. Their wellbeing should always come before human vanity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.