Overview

Parasites can be very damaging to your pet’s health. Preventive measures should be taken year-round to inhibit potential outbreaks. Parasites can have serious consequences, diminishing quality of life and even causing life-threatening health issues in some cases.

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. Our veterinary team is happy to help you choose the correct preventive regimen based on your pet’s risk factors and health status.

Why are parasites dangerous?

Fleas:

Fleas are small, wingless, brown, fast-moving insects you can see in your pet’s fur. Some animals are allergic to the saliva of fleas, which can cause inflammation and discomfort. Some animals are allergic to the saliva of fleas, which can cause inflammation and more discomfort. If ingested while your pet is grooming themselves, fleas can transmit an intestinal parasite called tapeworm. Flea infestations can lead to anemia and fleas are also capable of transmitting serious diseases.

Ticks:

Ticks are a sub-group 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 pet with serious diseases. 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.

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:

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.

Ticks:

If you see a tick attached to your pet, please call us as soon as possible to have one of our trained professionals remove the tick for you.

Heartworm Disease:

The best treatment for heartworms is prevention. One of the most common and effective prevention methods is a monthly oral medication for the duration of your pet's life. Even indoor only pets are at risk for heartworm disease.

While your pet can be asymptomatic for months after infection, signs of heartworm disease include difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss, tiring easily, and listlessness. An annual blood test is recommended to screen for heartworms.