How can we respond to this growing threat? | MyPet

Parasites are generally very small, measuring only a few millimeters in length and a few milligrams in weight. But it has been a threat to us and our animals for millions of years, across the planet.

The key to their success is the ability to evolve. As the journal PLOS Biology notes in 2010: “It is widely known that parasites are prone to rapid evolution, and because of the often short periods of each generation and large population sizes, parasites can evolve much faster than their hosts.”

Due to rising temperatures, the pest threat may be evolving faster than ever. So if we want to protect our pets (and our families), we need to understand their evolution and what we can do to respond.

Parasites, dogs and humans: they evolve together

The history of humans, dogs, cats and their parasites is closely related.

Animal parasites have evolved over millions of years. But the domestication of animals was the step that gave parasites a perfect opportunity to increase their population and reach cows, sheep, cats and dogs.

Humans and animals began to live close together, often in unsanitary conditions. This created the ideal environment for the parasites to evolve further.

And now, due to rising temperatures, parasites appear in unexpected places and all year round. Experts Muriel Marion and Jacques Guillot mention:

Develop the ideal environment in which dogs can be infested with parasites

Much of what we consider civilized and modern is also beneficial to parasites.

Modern homes offer the ideal microhabitat for external parasites that infest our animals, especially fleas. Dogs and cats often live in warm homes, surrounded by family members. And parasites like fleas, which thrive in warm environments, can remain active for longer periods and find new hosts.

Pests also benefit from urbanization, which creates increasingly dense human and animal communities. Green spaces in urban areas provide common areas for wildlife and domestic animals, allowing pests to move from wild to domestic animals – and into our homes and gardens.

At the same time, the growing trend of traveling with pets means that pets may come into contact with parasites that are not found in the area of ​​residence. These parasites can transmit “exotic” diseases to dogs and they can return home. If this happens more than once, a parasite-borne disease may become common in a new area.

Rising temperatures, increasing risk

Now, with ever-hotter temperatures and ever-shorter winters, parasites that were limited to certain areas of the world due to their need for warmth now face a new opportunity to further expand their range.

Take for example what parasitologist Michael Leshnik says about new Central European parasites.

What can we do…

Fortunately, we now have a wide range of treatments and preventative measures to avoid parasites in dogs and cats. With these tools we can create an effective protection plan throughout the year.

These plans should be based on regular visits to the vet’s office. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best way to protect the health of your dog and cat and can give you specific advice based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle and place of residence.

And since the risk posed by parasites is constantly increasing, it’s important to share tips on how to stop them. You can play an important role in protecting animals everywhere by sharing knowledge of the #MyPet program with other pet owners.

Share this article with friends and family today.

In short:

• Ask your vet what the risks are in your area
• Protect the animal all year round
• Stay updated on new numbers through the #MyPet program
• Share your knowledge and the #MyPet program with your loved ones!