Understanding Parasite Risks for Pets in Lexington, Kentucky

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms pose serious health risks to pets in Lexington, Kentucky. The region’s climate provides an ideal environment for these pests to thrive year-round. Without proper prevention, parasites can lead to severe health problems, including skin infections, anemia, heart disease, and even life-threatening conditions.

Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to parasites due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Young pets can be infected with intestinal worms from birth or through nursing, while adult pets typically contract parasites through environmental exposure.

Many parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from pets to humans. Preventative care is not only essential for your pet’s health but also for the safety of your family.

The Dangers of Common Pet Parasites

Fleas

Fleas cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and skin infections. Severe infestations can lead to anemia, especially in puppies, kittens, and small breeds. Additionally, fleas are carriers of tapeworms, which can infect both pets and humans.

Learn more about flea allergy dermatitis.

Ticks

Ticks carry serious diseases such as:

  • Lyme disease – Causes joint pain, fever, and kidney complications.
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Can lead to neurological disorders, organ failure, and death if untreated.
  • Ehrlichiosis & Anaplasmosis – Affect the immune system, causing chronic illness.

Tick-borne diseases often have delayed symptoms, making regular tick prevention essential.

Follow CDC guidelines for tick prevention.

Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and live in the heart and lungs, leading to:

  • Coughing and difficulty breathing
  • Heart failure
  • Organ damage

By the time symptoms appear, damage may already be severe. Prevention is far safer and more affordable than treatment, which requires months of painful, costly therapy.

Check heartworm prevalence in your area.

Intestinal Parasites:

Common intestinal worms include:

  • Roundworms – Can cause stunted growth, bloating, and vomiting in puppies and kittens.
  • Hookworms – Feed on blood, leading to anemia and weakness.
  • Tapeworms – Transmitted by fleas; can cause digestive upset and weight loss.

Since some intestinal worms are zoonotic, they can infect humans, particularly young children who play in contaminated soil. Other common parasites include giardia, coccidiosis, and whipworms.

Find out more about intestinal parasites from the AVMA.

The Consequences of Untreated Parasites

Ignoring parasite prevention can result in serious, long-term health complications:

  • Chronic Skin Issues – Persistent itching and secondary infections from flea infestations.
  • Organ Damage – Heartworms and tick-borne diseases can lead to irreversible damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
  • Anemia & Malnutrition – Intestinal worms and severe flea infestations cause significant blood loss and nutrient depletion, particularly in young, old, or immunocompromised pets.
  • Neurological Problems – Some tick-borne diseases can lead to seizures and paralysis.
  • Zoonotic Transmission – Humans, especially children, can contract roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms from infected pets.

Preventing Parasites Year-Round

Essential Steps for Pet Owners

  • Use Year-Round Preventative Medications – Protect against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites with monthly preventatives. Understand why year-round prevention is vital.
  • Schedule Regular Veterinary Check-Ups – Routine exams detect early signs of parasites. Book an appointment with Commonwealth Animal Care.
  • Keep Your Home & Yard Clean – Frequent vacuuming, washing bedding, and mowing grass reduce parasite exposure.
  • Monitor for Symptoms – Scratching, hair loss, bloated abdomen, lethargy, or weight loss could indicate a parasite problem. Contact us if you notice concerns.

Choosing the Right Parasite Prevention

Types of Preventative Treatments

  • Oral Medications – Provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple parasites.
  • Topical Treatments – Applied to the skin, effective for fleas and ticks.
  • Collars – Offer long-term flea and tick prevention.
  • Deworming Treatments – Routine deworming prevents intestinal parasite infestations.

Your veterinarian will customize a prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle, breed, and risk factors. If you’re unsure which treatment is best, schedule a visit with our experts.

Recognizing When to Seek Veterinary Care

Signs of a Serious Infestation

  • Excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss
  • Fleas or ticks visible on the fur
  • Persistent coughing or labored breathing (heartworm disease)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or unexplained weight loss

If left untreated, parasites can cause permanent damage or even be fatal. If you notice these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Commonwealth Animal Care’s Approach to Parasite Prevention

Personalized Prevention Plans for Your Pet

At Commonwealth Animal Care, we assess your pet’s unique needs to create a customized parasite prevention plan. We offer:

  • Comprehensive parasite screenings
  • Heartworm testing & prevention
  • Safe & effective flea, tick, and worm treatments
  • Education on zoonotic disease prevention

Don’t wait until parasites become a problem! Request an appointment today to keep your pet happy, healthy, and parasite-free year-round.