Guide to Preventing Parasites.pdf - Royal Canin Canada

4.3 At-risk groups
Knowing which groups are at risk can help us target our deworming efforts as an adjunct
to fecal testing. The main at-risk groups are as follows:
Young animals under the age of 6 to 12 months (first exposure to parasites,
immature immune system, inadequate hygiene).
Pregnant and lactating females (significant stress, hormone imbalance negatively
affecting the immune system).
Adult hunters (prey-dwelling parasites that are ingested do not migrate into the
host’s tissues and are less exposed to its immune system).
Adult males (particularly susceptible to certain species).
Animals raised in groups (significant stress associated with noise and social
interactions; abundance of a wide range of infectious agents).
Animals from poorly-kept kennels or catteries (they have been exposed to many
species of parasites, some of which persist in the animals’ tissues).
Animals on prolonged corticosteroid therapy (immunosuppressive effect).
Animals that have undergone major surgery.
Animals suffering from malnutrition (weaker immune system).
Very old animals.
Animals with diabetes (immunosuppression).
Stray animals.
Animals kept in a highly contaminated environment.
Animals that travel to areas where there is a higher risk of infection.
Animals entered in shows and competitions.
Animals taken to dog parks.
Animals that eat dung or feces.
The following table indicates the risk of parasite infections associated with different
activities. This classification is quite arbitrary and is merely intended as a tool for
targeting dogs and cats at higher risk for such infections.
Table 21. Risk factors for parasite infections in dogs, by parasite species
Species Âg
e
Season Kennel* Yard Wildlife Parks Cottage South Show
s
Coccidia > Y ++ + + +
Cryptosporidium > Y ++ + +
26
Hunting