Lori Hehn, DVM, discusses a human disease or syndrome, where an owner believes that they or their pets are infested with a parasite or organism that isn’t there. Delusional parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria or other organisms.
Source: VetPrep. Link. Dr. Hehn knows veterinary team members want pet owners to feel that their pet is safe and protected and that they no longer need to worry about these supposed parasites hurting their pet. She outlines a process to follow:
- Conduct an appropriate work-up
- Be careful about prescribing medications
- Help repel insects
- Be honest with the owner
- Tell the owner you have done a complete workup and there is no evidence of parasites.
- Provide handouts
- Have them call pest control