Preventing pesky parasites

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It is no secret that dogs become an extension of the family when they enter our lives, so keeping them happy and healthy is important. One of the most common causes of sickness in dogs is parasite infestation, but thankfully there is a way to prevent these pests. Healthcare workers need to know how to keep our companions safe and healthy.

The 3 most common parasites affecting dogs are fleas, ticks, and heartworms. If left untreated, all 3 can severely impact the quality of life or even lead to the loss of the dog’s life.

Studies have shown an uptick in the prevalence of heartworm infections. Some reasons include:

• A decrease in use of preventive medications and a lack of adherence to the medications
• Climate change (increase in precipitation, temperature, and humidity)
• Surface-water coverage
• Socioeconomic factors
• Increase in the presence of vectors
• Spread of disease via stray dogs in animal shelters and feral dogs
• An emergence of resistance to macrocyclic-lactone (ML) treatment

As of now, the most effective way of preventing heartworm disease in dogs is the use of MLs like abamectin, ivermectin, eprinomectin, doramectin, and selamectin as well as milbemycins like moxidectin and nemadectin. These classes of drugs cause direct death of the parasite by binding to chloride channel receptors. Another class of medications that is used less often is the isoxazolines, which does not prevent heartworm but instead controls the vectors that are responsible for transmission of the parasite.

Nault is a 2025 PharmD candidate at the University of Connecticut.

Reference

Riepl M. Heartworm-, Flea-, and Tick-associated Diseases in Dogs: A Review of Common Parasites and Drug Classes Prophylactic Against Them. Int J Pharm Compd. 2024;28(3):188-193.