What are parasites

and why do they

matter?
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding
on animals and sometimes people.

They can also spread diseases that can threaten

the health of your dog and family.

Exposure to infection is possible wherever dogs,

ticks, mosquitoes, and other blood-sucking
insects are found.

Prevention may not be 100% effective.

It’s important to have your dog tested regularly

as recommended by your veterinarian.
Parasitic and vector-borne
disease protection Review the enclosed guide to understand
infectious diseases in dogs.

How to help both your dog

and your family
 Your guide to
Ask your understanding
veterinarian about: parasitic and
vector-borne
Fecal antigen testing.
This type of testing finds intestinal diseases
parasite infections that other types
of testing may miss.
Infectious Most common signs Disease progression
Causes of infection diseases of infection if not treated Diagnostics Treatment Protection
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Blood tests, including a Worms can cause infection • Hookworm • Diarrhea • Failure to grow/thrive Stool sample and tests, Deworming Monthly parasite control
comprehensive vector-borne when dogs are exposed to • Roundworm • Loose stool or blood • Severe anemia including the following: medication products (available from
disease screen. contaminated soil or stool
• Whipworm in stool • Weight loss • Fecal antigen testing and monthly your veterinarian), often
• Pale gums • Death • Fecal flotation preventives included in your monthly
Testing your dog’s blood reveals diseases that contains eggs or worm • Poor hair quality heartworm preventives
spread by ticks and mosquitoes.
larvae. Infection may also • Poor health
• Pot-bellied appearance Also remember to pick up
spread from mother to
• Vomiting your dog’s stool regularly
Effective treatments and puppies.
• Or may not show
prevention. any signs
Your veterinarian will recommend the
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best approach for your dog.
Infected mosquitoes spread • Heartworm • Mild cough • Heart failure Blood tests: Your veterinarian Oral, topical and injectable
worm larvae from infected • Reduced appetite • Lung disease • Comprehensive vector-borne will advise the heartworm preventives
• Reluctance to move • Death diseases screen best treatment
dogs to your dog.
or exercise • Chemistry profile
• Weight loss • Complete blood count

A urine test

Other (depending on initial

findings and clinical signs)
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Infected ticks carry bacteria • Lyme disease • Bloody nose • Autoimmune diseases Antibiotics Tick removal and use of
and bite your dog, spreading • Ehrlichiosis • Fever • Bleeding complications recommended tick preventives and Lyme
• Anaplasmosis • Lack of energy • Chronic joint pain by your vaccines
infection. Ticks spread many
• Lameness • Damaged joints veterinarian
diseases. • Loss of appetite • Death
• Painful joints • Kidney disease
• Pale gums • Low platelet count
• Or may not show • Low white blood
any signs cell count

IMPORTANT: Prevention may not be 100% effective. Test your dog at least once a year.
 Consult with your veterinarian
on including comprehensive
parasite and vector-borne
disease testing in your pet’s
next wellness visit.

Helpful tips to help

protect your dog
and family.
Pick up and dispose of your dog’s stool regularly.

Wash your hands after exposure to your dog’s

urine, stool, soil (gardening), and sandboxes. IDEXX Laboratories Canada
1345 Denison Street
Cover sandboxes and play areas to prevent wildlife Markham, ON L3R 5V2
Canada
and strays from contaminating these areas.

Remind children not to put dirt or dirty hands in

their mouths.

Check your dog and your family for ticks regularly.

If you find a tick, remove it right away.

Use parasite preventive medications as directed

by your veterinarian.
Have your dog tested at least once a year or as
recommended by your veterinarian.
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