Lungworms In Cats – Signs, Treatment And Prevention

A pet owner must always be aware of the possible culprits which can cause diseases in their cats. One such foe to kitties is lungworm.

What Is A Lungworm?

Lungworms are hair-like parasitic worms that cause respiratory tract infection, bronchitis or pneumonia in cats. The most common species that affect cats are Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and the one that infests both the felines and canines are Capillaria aerophila. These parasites can cause tremendous damage to the lung tissue and can live in the body for almost two years. Their larva can be detected in the feces and this disease is more common in outdoor cats that are at higher risk of picking up the worms through rodents.

How Cats Get Infected?

Lungworms in Cats are transmitted through rodents like snail, mouse, rat, frog, slug, bird or lizard. These rodents may contain lungworms which can be transmitted to cats’ gastrointestinal tract once they prey on it. These lungworms then traverse through the gut linings which then migrate to the lungs. After reaching the lungs, they transform into adults and lay eggs. These eggs can be seen in the feces of the cat or they may even cough it out.

What are The Symptoms Of Lungworms In Cats?

Heavily infested cat may exhibit symptoms like:

·        Shortness of breath

·        Wheezing

·        Loss Of Appetite

·        Wheezing

·        Weakness

·        Lethargy

·        Breathing through Mouth

·        Fever

·        Pulmonary edema

·        Air In Plueral cavity

·        Interstitial Emphysema

Treatment Of Lungworms In Cats

Various tests are required for the diagnosis of the worms in cats. These may include: Fecal Examination, tracheal wash, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and X-rays. Once the lungworms are detected, deworming treatment is recommended by the vet. Products like Advocate Cat, Panacur, Revolution For Cats and many more work quite effectively against lungworms. Your vet may also prescribe some antibiotics for treating other worm related infections and inflammations.

Prevention Of Lungworms In Cats

·        Cats must be mostly kept indoors so she doesn’t feed on rodents or other transmitters of infections from the surroundings.

·        Scoop the feces immediately and don’t leave it for other time even if you are super busy.

·        Keep your garden clean and remove any fecal matter or unnecessary dirt from the lawn regularly.

·        Spray rodent repellent in the yard.

·        Consult your vet if you see any signs of lungworms in your kitty.

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Tips To Encourage Active Lifestyle For Your Dog

Nowadays most of the dogs have become couch potatoes! They are spoon fed and are hardly involved in physical activities. This is why obesity rate of pets is drastically increasing day by day and they are contracting more diseases. So if you don’t want your dog to have that kinda sedentary lifestyle, you will have to be super active yourself. You cannot take your dog out unless you yourself put in some efforts. If you really want your furry pal to get in the action mode, you have to figure out activities that will encourage your dog to burst out those extra calories. Getting some exercise to vent out his energy will also prevent him from getting edgy and bored. So, follow these tips.

Plan Your Day

Strategize your whole day in a manner that you have time to involve your pet in some physical exercises like running, jogging or simply walking. You can take him along when going shopping down the street or go to his favourite park. This way you will also get some time to spend with your dog and will give those muscles some toning.

Play Fetch

Fetch is a great way to have fun and exercise together. It helps the Fido to run for the ball and bring it back to you. Fetch involves lots of running which keeps the pet fit.

Take Him In The Pool

Swimming is another calorie shedding exercise which you can do along with your dog. It is an intensity workout yet fun for both you and your dog. However, be vigilant while your dog is in water.

Play Hide And Seek

What can be more fun than playing hide and seek? You can play it with your Fido when you don’t want to go out and in fact, involve your kids as well.

Go Camping On Weekends With Your Dog

Exploring the woods is certainly interesting. It indirectly helps dogs to walk more while they get into the mode of discovering the place. However, make sure you apply a good flea and tick repellent so he doesn’t contract any parasites. While in the woods, do keep a watch on him all the time.  

Taking Him To Beach

Beach is the best place to enjoy a walk with your pet. You can also run along the seashore to give some exercise to your muscles. Beach is also a perfect place to play Frisbee with your dog.

Changing a lifestyle into an active one completely depends on you. Introducing these activities in your pet as well as your life will help both of you stay active, energetic and stress-free. This way you also get to spend quality time with your pets and prevent their boredom. . It will also improve his joint health by eliminating stiffness. Moreover, such activities are known to improve stress levels in pets so if you aren’t doing them already, start today. If at all he has joint issues, give him supplements and reduce the intensity of exercise. But, do not skip it completely.  

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