People, especially children, can be exposed to animal parasites when they work or play in contaminated soil, such as in a sandbox or the garden, and accidentally put dirty hands in their mouth. Parasite eggs cannot be seen by the naked eye but are present anywhere stool from an infected animal is found.
Washing your hands and regularly deworming pets are very important means to protect against parasites. STRATEGIC DEWORMING consists of treating your pet for worms at regular intervals that are specifically designed to prevent parasitic disease and the shedding of parasite eggs in your yard and home. Stategic deworming is based on the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP). The new schedule for deworming is more thorough than previous practices.
You can easily protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following these simple preventive measures:
- Deworm your pet on a regular schedule recommended by your veterinarian. This removes internal parasites and prevents further contamination of the environment.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash hands regularly, especially after handling pets or cleaning up pet waste.
- Remove pet droppings from your yard at least 2-3 times a week. Daily is best.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Keep pets flea-free. Ingestion of fleas can transmit tapeworms to animals and people.
- Do not allow children to go barefoot, sit or lie on playgrounds or in parks where they are exposed to animal stools. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin.
- Clean cat litter boxes daily, and wash hands afterward.
- Do not drink water from streams or other sources that may be contaminated with animal feces.
- Keep pets clean: bathe pet after deworming.
Ask your vet about an appropriate deworming program for your pet.
