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CAPC Guidelines

Controling Internal and External Parasites in U.S. Dogs and Cats

Primary Recommendations

Administer year-round broad-spectrum parasite control with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks, particularly those with zoonotic potential.

Administer preventive flea and/or tick products year-round.

• Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.
• Conduct annual heartworm testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.
• Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and provide fresh, potable water.
• Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.
• Administer anthelmintic treatment to puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.
• Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment to kittens between 3 and 9 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.
• Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring.

If optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite products are not used:

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

Since 2003 the Companion Animal Parasite Council has been providing guidelines for veterinary professionals and pet owners.