The Parasite Problem: How to Protect Your Pet with Dr. Craig Prior

Parasites are a year-round threat to pets, and some can pose risks to human health as well. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with veterinarian Dr. Craig Prior, former president of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), about what every pet owner should know. From tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms to giardia and ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis, they cover the most common and most concerning parasites. Tune in as they discuss:

• What are parasites and how do they affect animals?
• The upcoming parasite forecast
• CAPC's parasite risk maps
• Ways to keep animal companions (and humans) safe from parasites
• Why ticks are formidable 
• Do dog parks harbor parasites?
• How people traveling with animals is spreading parasites
• Are indoor cats at risk?
• The increasing problem of hookworm resistance and how it was exacerbated by the greyhound racing industry
• Do any natural cures work against parasites?

Also on this month's show:

• Viral trending animal story of the month featuring Aggie the cat, who went missing after the palisades wildfire destroyed her family home
• Animal news, including the newly identified genetic mutation causing blindness in Labrador retrievers
• Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions about giving a cat chemotherapy drugs, next steps for a dog with a persistent cough, and ideas for reducing a cat's severe anxiety in carriers.

Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [e-mail] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.

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