Controlling Internal And External Parasites in U.S. Dogs And Cats

The Companion Animal Parasite Council, an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals , recommends year-round treatment with heartworm preventives that have broad-spectrum activity against parasites with zoonotic potential. CAPC also recommends administering preventive flea and/or tick products year-round.

If optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite products are not used, the CAPC recommends:

• Deworming puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age.
• In kittens, beginning biweekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.
• Conducting fecal examinations two to four times a year in adult pets, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treating with appropriate parasiticides.
• Testing for heartworm status yearly in dogs and/or before starting preventive medications.
• Tailoring parasite prevention programs to parasite prevalence and pet lifestyle factors.

The mission of Companion Animal Parasite Council is to foster animal and human health, while preserving the human-animal bond, through recommendations for the diagnosis and year-round management of parasitic infections in dogs and cats. The CAPC is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. Its membership represents broad expertise in parasitology, human medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice, and association leadership.

The CAPC web site includes information for dog owners and cat owners.