Ticks, intestinal worms and fleas… just thinking about them can make you itch. But beyond the discomfort they cause, these parasites pose a real risk to our pets’ health and sometimes to ours as well. What should you know, and more importantly, how can you protect your furry companion? Here are the key things to keep in mind.

Ticks

An increasingly common presence
Originally from more southern regions, ticks have gradually established themselves in Quebec in recent years. With milder winters, they now survive much more easily. They can remain inactive for a period of time, then become active again as soon as temperatures reach 0°C, even if only for a few hours in a day. After several months without feeding, they begin searching for a host—wild animals, our pets… or even humans.

Real risks
Ticks are a concern because they can transmit serious diseases. The most well-known is Lyme disease, which can affect dogs, more rarely cats, as well as humans. In dogs, symptoms vary. Some show no signs, while others may develop joint pain, fever, persistent fatigue or, more rarely, kidney issues. It’s worth noting that many dogs bitten by a tick will not develop disease. There are also several species of ticks, some of which can transmit more than one disease.

Choosing the right protection
When a pet is treated with a parasite preventative medication, a tick that lands on the animal may not attach and feed, or will die after a single blood meal before it can transmit disease. Since ticks can live for several years and feed at different times, protecting your pet also helps reduce risks for your entire household by lowering the number of parasites in the environment.
There are several options depending on your pet’s lifestyle, and your veterinarian can guide you. However, be cautious. Some products made for dogs are unsafe for cats. Every year, cases of poisoning occur due to improper use.

Fleas

Tiny parasites… highly effective
Fleas are small parasites that feed on your pet’s blood. They can live in the coat for long periods and lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs can fall into the environment (carpets, floors, cracks, etc.) and continue their life cycle before jumping back onto an animal.

A difficult cycle to break
It only takes one flea to start an infestation.
To get rid of fleas effectively, you need to treat the affected pet and all other pets in the household with a product recommended by your veterinarian for several months. Why? Because fleas do not just live on your pet.
They lay eggs in the environment (carpets, sofas, floor cracks), which develop into larvae and then pupae (very resistant cocoons). Pupae can survive for weeks to months, waiting for the right moment to hatch, triggered by heat or the CO₂ from a nearby animal or human.
The result? You think the problem is solved, then it starts all over again.
Some dogs and cats also develop flea allergy dermatitis, which can cause intense itching. Fortunately, many preventative treatments protect against both fleas and ticks when given regularly.

Intestinal parasites

A common reality
It is estimated that about one in three animals carries intestinal worms. The good news that these parasites are generally easy to prevent and treat. In young animals, transmission can occur directly from the mother during pregnancy or nursing. That is why a deworming protocol is often recommended early on and continued during the first months of life.

Invisible to the naked eye
Contrary to what you might think, checking your pet’s stool is not enough to detect parasites. Some worms are visible to the naked eye, while others are microscopic. It is their eggs, shed in feces, that contaminate the environment, sometimes for long periods. This is why regular fecal testing is important.

Tailoring prevention and treatment
Once the type of parasite is identified, treatment can be tailored accordingly. Needs vary depending on your pet’s lifestyle. A hunting cat or a dog that frequents parks is at greater risk than an indoor pet. Your veterinarian can recommend a personalized prevention and treatment plan.

In summary, a prevention plan tailored to your pet not only helps reduce discomfort but also prevents potentially serious health issues.