PETS :: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007
Healthy Pets & Healthy Kids
We all know about the potential dangers that live under our kitchen sink—the bleach, the window cleaner. Are you aware of the dangers that are lurking in your carpet?
I’m talking about parasites—fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites. We know that these cause problems for our pets. As a veterinarian I talk to clients about these bugs and how they can make our pets very sick, but were you aware of the dangers that it poses to our children?
Intestinal parasites, primarily hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms, can be harbored in the intestinal tract of cats and dogs. These eggs can be passed to your family from direct (kissing/petting) or indirect (carpet/grass) contact. Keeping cats and dogs on monthly heartworm prevention, scooping the yard regularly and having your veterinarian check a bi-annual stool sample will help keep your family safe.
Ticks spread a number of diseases including lyme disease. This could affect your family if an affected tick detaches from your pet and attaches to your child. Keeping your pet on year round tick control helps to repel or kill ticks that attach to your animal. As some ticks may still survive, you should also regularly check your pet for ticks, especially if they sleep in bed with a child.
Fleas are a nuisance to both you and your pet, and infested cats can spread cat scratch fever to children.
Twice a year wellness exams and discussion of any health concerns are an important part of maintaining a healthy pet and in turn, a healthy family.
Stephanie DeMarco, D.V.M. graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2001 and is currently the Chief of Staff at Talleyville Veterinary Hospital. Dr. DeMarco received her undergraduate degree in 1997 from the University of Delaware in Animal Science. She has a special interest in exotic pets as well as dogs and cats. Dr. DeMarco is married with two young daughters and her pets include a Golden Retriever and a Chihuahua.
WINDCREST
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency
TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648
