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189 results for “internal external parasite”
How to Deworm Your Cat
Both indoor and outdoor cats can catch parasites—external ones (fleas, lice, ticks, mites) and internal ones (hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm, heartworm, toxoplasma). Dewormers split into internal (by weight, oral) and external (by weight, topical, never let the cat lick). Indoor cats with no outings need only every 3–4 months; rotating products reduces resistance. Human dewormers with the same active ingredient (e.g., albendazole) can work and are cheaper, dosed by content—but check with a vet first.
Why Isn’t My Ragdoll Cat Gaining Weight?
Ragdoll cats that eat plenty but never seem to gain weight worry many owners, yet the cause is not always disease. Genetics, low activity, or an unbalanced diet may simply mean your cat burns or absorbs fewer calories than expected. Parasites are another common culprit that blocks nutrient absorption. If diet and exercise adjustments bring no improvement, a veterinary check-up can rule out hyperthyroidism, digestive disorders, or liver problems. This article explains the likely causes and the practical steps you can take at home to help your Ragdoll reach a healthy weight.
6 Common Cat Diseases and How to Prevent Them
Cats hide pain well and can't tell you what's wrong, so owners need a basic grasp of common feline illnesses. Beyond regular checkups and vaccines, know the warning signs of the six frequent problems: urinary tract disease, respiratory infection, periodontal disease, parasites, ringworm, and ear mites. This guide summarizes each condition's symptoms and the everyday prevention that matters most—more water, less stress, dental care, deworming, and a clean, dry environment.
Why Is a Puppy Vomiting and Refusing to Eat?
When a young puppy vomits and turns away from its food, the cause usually falls into one of four buckets: stress from a new home or unsuitable food, uncontrolled feeding habits, internal parasites, or an infectious disease such as distemper. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their immune and digestive systems are still developing, so a single episode should not be ignored. Identifying which factor is behind the symptoms lets you act quickly—whether that means calming the pup, fixing the feeding routine, deworming, or getting to a vet before a treatable problem becomes serious.
What Causes a Dog to Retch or Dry-Heave?
A dog that keeps dry-heaving without producing vomit can be distressing to watch, yet the causes are often straightforward. Retching usually means the throat or stomach is irritated, and it can come from a foreign object, throat inflammation, parasites, indigestion, or simply too much excitement and exercise. Most cases are mild and improve with rest, fluids, and regular deworming, but some signal infection or an obstruction that needs a vet. Knowing the difference helps you respond calmly and give your dog relief before a small issue becomes a bigger one.
Is a Pet Health Check-Up Really Necessary?
Like human screenings, pet check-up prices vary by region, and yes, it's an extra cost—but it's not wasted money. A check-up includes an external exam (eyes, ears, mouth), bloodwork (inflammation, infection, anemia, organ function), radiology (bones and organs), fecal testing (parasites), and urinalysis (urinary tract; in older cats it also shows kidney health). Cats and dogs have limited lifespans and often develop multiple diseases in old age, so early detection changes the outcome. Schedule a first exam at about 30 days old, yearly for seniors, and roughly every two years for healthy adults. Always use a proper veterinary clinic.
Treating Hookworm Infection in Dogs
Hookworm disease in dogs is caused by the dog hookworm (Ancylostoma) and the narrow-head hookworm (Uncinaria). These small parasites latch onto the intestinal wall and feed on blood; severe infection causes pale mucous membranes, weight loss, a rough coat, poor appetite, vomiting, and alternating diarrhea and constipation with bloody, tarry, foul stools. In puppies, skin invasion causes inflammation, and infection in 3-week-old pups can cause fatal anemia. Treatment starts with deworming—an injectable antiparasitic against hookworms, with pyrantel or levamisole also used for killing—and severe cases need supportive care such as iron supplements or a transfusion for anemia.
What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Vaccinations
Vaccines are a core part of protecting your dog or cat. A vaccine is a weakened virus that trains the immune system to fight real infections, guarding against deadly diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, rabies, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. Puppies can be vaccinated from 45 days old and kittens from 63 days, after weaning and a short settling-in period. Even with proper vaccines, immunity can fail due to maternal antibodies, immunosuppression, stress, or infection during the incubation window—so follow your vet's timing.
What to Prepare When You Bring a Cat Home
Bringing a cat home means stocking up on a few essentials first. You'll need a litter box (open or semi-enclosed) with tofu litter and a scoop, plus ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls and at least two water stations. For food, a quality dry kibble, occasional boiled chicken or beef, and a weekly wet-food meal cover the basics, with treats kept to a minimum. Scratching posts and teaser toys keep your cat active and protect your furniture, while nail clippers, cat-safe shampoo, a carrier, and a pet disinfectant handle grooming and outings. Finally, hairball remedies and a regular parasite-control plan keep your new companion healthy.
Why Is Your Dog’s Gum Pale? Don’t Ignore It—It Could Signal These Illnesses
A healthy dog's gums are pink and refill quickly after a light press. Pale or whitish gums often mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen—usually because of anemia or an underlying chronic disease. The causes range from nutritional and blood-loss anemia to kidney or liver problems and infections. Because pale gums can point to something serious, they deserve a prompt check rather than guessing at home.