Parasite Control (Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms)

Overview

The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences. Parasites can diminish quality of life and even cause life-threatening health issues.

Common internal parasites include heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. The most frequent external parasites include fleas and ticks. Your pet should be free from parasites, both internal and external.

How can I prevent parasites?

Unfortunately, many older parasite preventatives are no longer effective. Our veterinary team is happy to help you choose the correct preventive regimen based on your pet’s risk factors and health status. It is important to discuss with us yearly which external pest control products are ideal for your household based on the everyday life of your pet.

Why are parasites dangerous?

Fleas:

Fleas are small, wingless, brown, fast moving insects you can see in your pet’s fur. While flea bites can make any animal itchy, some pets are allergic to the saliva of fleas, which can cause increased inflammation and discomfort. If ingested while your pet is grooming themselves, fleas can transmit an intestinal parasite called tapeworms. Flea infestations can lead to anemia and fleas are also capable of transmitting serious diseases.

Ticks:

Ticks are members of the spider family and live in cracks and crevices in the home or outside in vegetation such as grassy meadows, woods, brush, and weeds. Some tick bites only cause mild irritation or swelling at the site, but other tick bites can infect your cat or dog with serious illnesses such as Lyme disease or Ehrlicha. If left untreated, these diseases, such as lyme, can lead to more severe health problems or even be fatal.

Note: If you see a tick and cannot remove it, we will gladly help you. Call us immediately to limit the impact of the tick's attachment. It’s much safer to have one of our trained professionals remove the tick for you. Make an appointment with us immediately to limit the impact of the tick. An annual blood test is recommended to screen for tick-borne diseases.

Heartworm Disease:

Heartworms are transmitted when an infected mosquito bites your pet. Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and its surrounding blood vessels. The adult heartworm produces offspring called microfilariae, which circulate in the pet’s blood. Unrecognized and untreated heartworm infections can be fatal.

When should I seek treatment for parasites?

Fleas:

The best treatment for fleas is prevention. If your pet is showing signs of fleas such as continuous scratching, gnawing, or licking, schedule an appointment immediately. Additionally, flea dirt, the byproduct of fleas that looks like coffee grounds or pepper, can usually be seen by looking at your pet’s abdomen or by combing your pet’s coat with a fine-tooth comb on top of a white sheet. Remember, fleas can survive a cold winter by feeding on unprotected pets, so preventive measures should be taken year round.

Ticks:

The best treatment for ticks is prevention. If you see a tick on your pet, do not try and burn it off with a match. This does not work and could harm your pet. It is vital to remove both the body and the head of the tick. As the head is often embedded in the pet’s skin, it may be safest to have one of our staff remove the tick for you to prevent irritation and infection. Make an appointment with us immediately to limit the impact of the tick.

Heartworm Disease:

The best treatment for heartworms is prevention. One of the most common and effective prevention methods is a monthly oral medication.

The parasite is transmitted through mosquito bites and usually the pet shows no signs for months. Later symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss, tiring easily and listlessness. In many cases pets do not show outward signs until advanced stages of the disease. An annual blood test is recommended to screen for heartworms. This disease can be treated if found early, but it can be costly.