Pawfarer

Health

Parasite control

In short

Parasite control means protecting a cat or dog from parasites such as worms, fleas, ticks and heartworm. The US and European veterinary bodies below put the emphasis differently.

Key points

  • CAPC (US) recommends year-round control for all dogs and cats. ESCCAP (Europe) bases control on each animal's risk and veterinary advice, and says year-round flea control might be necessary. The two are shown side by side, not combined.
  • Both are guidelines written for veterinary teams. This page names no products. Which parasite control suits your own pet is for a vet to decide. Consult your vet.

How often? US and Europe side by side

CAPC (US) general guidelines recommend

Administer year-round broad-spectrum parasite control with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks. Control of parasites with zoonotic potential is essential.
CAPC General Guidelines

ESCCAP (Europe) worm control guideline states

…should be given to provide each dog and cat with appropriate worm control throughout its lifetime.
Veterinary professionals will consider local epidemiological circumstances, owner perception and individual risk assessments…
Deworming practices should therefore always be on the advice of a veterinary…
ESCCAP Guideline 01: Worm Control in Dogs and Cats (PDF)

Fleas, US and Europe side by side

CAPC (US) flea guidelines recommend, for dogs,

All dogs should be treated year-round and throughout their life with flea control products to limit infestations on the pet and prevent establishment of flea populations in the home
CAPC Flea Guidelines

CAPC (US) flea guidelines recommend, for cats,

All cats should be treated year-round and throughout their life with flea control products to limit infestations on the pet and prevent establishment of flea populations in the home

This is a guideline principle, not product advice. Consult your vet.

CAPC Flea Guidelines

ESCCAP (Europe) ectoparasite guideline states

The individual infestation or re-infestation risk depends on the lifestyle of the animal.
ESCCAP Guideline 03: Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats (PDF)

ESCCAP (Europe) ectoparasite guideline states

While flea infestations peak in summer and autumn, studies have shown that flea infestation can occur throughout the year, thus year-round flea control might be necessary.
ESCCAP Guideline 03: Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats (PDF)

ESCCAP (Europe) ectoparasite guideline states

Regular grooming and visual inspection should be carried out preferably using a flea comb.
ESCCAP Guideline 03: Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats (PDF)

Heartworm and ticks (US)

CAPC (US) states

Recent prevalence data suggests that dog and cats are susceptible to heartworm in all 50 states. While prevention in dogs is commonplace, this deadly parasite is often viewed as less of a threat for cats. However, cats with heartworm are often asymptomatic and frequently go undiagnosed.
CAPC Guidelines

CAPC (US) heartworm guidelines recommend, for dogs,

Annual testing of all dogs for both antigen and microfilariae of heartworm. Protect all dogs from heartworm infection by maintaining on preventives year-round.
CAPC Heartworm Guidelines

CAPC (US) general guidelines recommend

Conduct annual heartworm testing in dogs; test cats prior to placing on heartworm preventive and thereafter as indicated.
CAPC General Guidelines

CAPC (US) general guidelines recommend

Test annually for tick-transmitted pathogens, especially in regions where pathogens are endemic or emerging.
CAPC General Guidelines

CAPC (US) tick guidelines recommend

Perform frequent tick checks when vacationing or visiting tick-infested areas. It is especially important that such checks be performed on children.
CAPC Tick Guidelines

Hygiene (US)

CAPC (US) general guidelines recommend

Do not handle animal feces or urine with bare hands, and wash hands immediately after incidental contact. This recommendation is particularly important for children and individuals at increased risk.
CAPC General Guidelines

About ESCCAP's guidelines (Europe)

ESCCAP (Europe) states

There is great diversity in the parasites and their importance across Europe. ESCCAP guidelines summarise the different situations within Europe, highlighting important differences between parasites and between different parts of Europe where necessary, and recommend specific control measures.
ESCCAP Guidelines

These are general statements from the organisations named above, not advice for your pet. For anything about your own cat or dog, consult your vet.

Sources