Cats and dogs are beloved companions, but when they roam freely, they are more exposed to parasites like fleas, intestinal worms, and, in dogs, heartworm disease, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

These parasites can not only be harmful to pets – they can also affect human health, especially in communities where animals often interact with children. Taking steps to manage these parasites ensures healthier pets, reduces the risk of human illness, and improves overall well-being for the whole family.

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that thrive in warm, humid climates, making them a year-round issue in Rarotonga. Fleas can cause intense itching, hair loss, and even severe skin infections in pets. They can also carry tapeworms, which can infect humans if accidentally ingested.

To manage fleas:

1. Regular treatment: Use flea preventatives, such as topical treatments, flea collars, or oral medications.
2. Environmental control: Fleas live and breed in the environment, so wash pet bedding regularly and vacuum areas where pets spend time.

Intestinal worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, are common in roaming animals. Pets can pick up these parasites by eating contaminated food, drinking dirty water, or walking through infected soil. Symptoms in pets may include weight loss, diarrhoea, and a swollen abdomen, but some animals show no signs while still spreading the worms.

Many intestinal worms can be transmitted to humans, especially children, through contact with infected soil.

To prevent intestinal worms:

1. Deworming: Administer deworming treatments every three months.
2. Hygiene: Regularly clean up pet waste and encourage handwashing after handling animals.

Heartworm disease can be a serious condition caused by worms that live in a dog’s heart and lungs, spread by mosquito bites. Left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. If you are interested in treating and preventing your dog from catching heartworm, we recommend booking an appointment at Te Are Manu and speak with a veterinarian. Treatment can be complicated and expensive, however clearing your dog of heartworm will increase their lifespan.

Keeping pets healthy is essential for protecting human health. Fleas and worms don’t just harm animals – they can make their way into homes, putting families at risk, particularly young children who play on the ground or interact closely with pets.

Regular parasite control keeps pets comfortable and prevents zoonotic (animal-human spread) diseases. By being proactive with parasite prevention, you not only enhance the well-being of your pets but also safeguard the health of your loved ones.

If you need advice on the best products and regimes to help keep your pet healthy and free of parasites, please call us on 27719 or stop by the clinic.