Parasite Prevention

Avoid parasitic diseases.

Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and both dogs AND cats are at risk. Even indoor cats have been diagnosed with heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is usually fatal when left untreated. There is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats and the treatment for dogs is costly and not without risks to the patient. Fortunately, heartworm is easily prevented by administering a once-monthly preventative. Many of these preventatives combat intestinal and other parasites in addition to heartworms. In 2014, we personally saw 4 separate cases of heartworm disease in dogs who had never left this area and were not given monthly heartworm prevention, proving the importance of preventative care year-round. Ask us which preventative is appropriate for your dog or cat today!

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks can cause discomfort, itchiness, allergic reactions, and can carry more serious diseases with them. The chance that your pet may get fleas or ticks depends on where you live and the environment around you. Fleas thrive in warmer weather, but may go dormant during the winter in colder areas. Ticks tend to live in wooded areas or areas with high grass. You should keep your pet away from areas like this, but if they do go exploring, you should check them for ticks and fleas after.

Ticks and fleas also pose a threat because it is not just your pet that they can affect. They can reproduce and affect humans as well. If you notice small bites, especially around your ankles, you might have fleas in your house. Fleas and ticks can be eliminated with a medicated bath and proper treatment from your vet. It is important to clean your house, especially areas where your pet frequently lounges if they have fleas or ticks. As with most diseases, prevention is the greatest defense against ticks and fleas. There are many medications that we can recommend to make sure your pet is protected from these pests.

The greatest threat fleas and ticks pose is that they can be carriers for dangerous diseases. Ticks are the main carrier of Lyme disease, something that can affect both your pet and you. Fleas carry the intestinal parasite tapeworm as well so it is important to protect against them. We recommend year-round prevention against both fleas and ticks as they remain alive and potentially active during the winter months.

Intestinal Parasites

Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms are some other intestinal parasites that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and other unpleasant symptoms. Humans can also become infected with roundworms and hookworms, potentially causing serious damage, including skin inflammation (hookworms) and eye damage (roundworms). Young children are more likely to contract these parasites as they tend to put their hands and other things in their mouths. Protect your entire family by keeping all of your pets on a parasite preventative. We have a variety of oral and topical preventatives that when administered once a month, can keep your pet's heartworm and intestinal parasite free. In addition, routine screening for intestinal parasites will detect any eggs in the feces, so bring a stool sample to your pet's next check-up.

Call us at (603) 253-7701 today to schedule an appointment for your cat or dog.