Ticks are well-known for transmitting devastating illnesses like Lyme disease, and fleas commonly carry tapeworms and the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever in humans. Intestinal parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, cause a wide range of health issues and are transmissible to humans and other animals. Heartworms, which are spread via the bites of infected mosquitoes, cause irreparable damage to the heart and lungs and can lead to premature death.

Parasites can cause problems ranging from itchy skin and hair loss to coughing and diarrhea. The scary part, though, is that they sometimes don’t cause any symptoms at all until serious damage has been done. That’s why it is so important to keep your pet on a high-quality parasite preventative.