Recommendations for Parasite Control
The Companion Animal Council (CAC)*, in conjunction with the veterinary profession, has developed the following recommendations for parasite control.
- Administer year-round treatment with broad-spectrum heartworm anthelmintics that have activity against parasites with zoonotic potential.
- Administer preventive flea and/or tick products as soon after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the life of the pet.
- Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.
- Conduct periodic (annual tests are ideal) heartworm infection testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.
- Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and provide fresh, potable water.
- Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.
- Administer anthelmintic treatment of puppies at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventative.
- Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment of kittens between 3 and 9 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.
- Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring.
- Tailor parasite prevention programs to geographic, seasonal and lifestyle factors.
In the absence of optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination products, utilize the following protocol:
- Deworm puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.
- In kittens, begin bi-weekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.
- Conduct fecal examinations 2 to 4 times a year in adult pets, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treat with appropriate parasiticides.
- Test for heartworm status yearly in dogs before starting preventive medications.
*CAC is an independent council of U.S. veterinary, governmental and association leaders brought together to create guidelines for optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people.