We have plenty of pesky critters in Albuquerque. Let’s keep them away from your pet!
In Albuquerque, we are fortunate to have excellent weather and ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with our pets. Although our parasite density is not as high as in more humid and temperate climates, we do see a variety of internal and external parasites within the city of Albuquerque, and parasite prevention is still essential! Of particular importance is the rising incidence of heartworm disease: Albuquerque now has more cases of heartworm than anywhere else in the Southwest.
Fleas, ticks, and gastrointestinal parasites are seen sporadically throughout Albuquerque, and your pet’s likelihood of encountering them depends on your location within the city and your pet’s recreational activity. Pets who travel have higher risks of parasitic infestations, so keep that in mind while preparing for vacation with your pets. In general, puppies and kittens are more prone to infestation and tend to be more severely affected by parasites. At Aztec Animal Clinic, we evaluate risk and determine the most appropriate diagnostics and preventatives for parasite management.
Read on for more information about external and internal parasites commonly found around Albuquerque!
Heartworm
Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes represent a lethal danger to your pet. A mosquito’s bite can transmit heartworm larva to your pet, and the larva then slowly develops and moves toward the heart. Once there, it matures and grows within your pet’s pulmonary artery, leading to constricted blood flow, heart disease, and major organ failure. All canine patients, no matter where they live, should receive heartworm preventative medication regularly and be tested annually by their veterinarians.
Ticks
Ticks lurk in shrubs and tall grass, bite pets, and feed on their blood. Although ticks are nearly microscopic, they are serious dangers to your pet’s health. A single tick bite can transmit numerous potentially fatal diseases, including Lyme disease, typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
Although rare, animal-to-human tick transfer is possible, so any tick on your pet is also a hazard to you and your entire family. Inspect your pet and yourself carefully after any woodland activities to ensure you don’t bring ticks into your home.
Fleas
These bloodsucking insects feed on mammals and lay eggs in their fur. Fleas can transmit harmful parasites like tapeworms and Murine typhus, and they can cause dermatitis and anemia. One flea can reproduce nearly 50 times a day, so a flea infestation is a substantial threat to your pet’s well-being. Because fleas reproduce so quickly, flea infestations often spread throughout your home, burrowing into your carpet and furniture, which makes them tough to eradicate.
Gastrointestinal Parasites
Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and coccidia are some of the gastrointestinal parasites that commonly infest small animals like our pets. Depending on the age and general health of the infested pet, the effects of these infestations can range from mild to life-threatening. Some gastrointestinal parasites are zoonotic, which also poses risks to human health, as they can be passed from animals to humans. Your pet’s Aztec Animal Clinic veterinarian will consider where you live, where you and your pet spend your free time, your pet’s travel history, and your pet’s age to create the best parasite prevention plan for your pet.
All Services