Parasite Control & Prevention

Parasitic infections are not just harmful for your pets, but can cause problems for other members of your family. Some parasites are zoonotic which makes them transmissible to other species including humans. Infections can be very costly to treat and without treatment they can result in death. This is why preventing parasites in your pet is so important even in the colder months.

What parasites may affect my pet?

The parasites that affect your pet can be classified into two categories: internal and external. External parasites affect the outer body, particularly the skin. These parasites include ticks, fleas, ear mites, mange mites and ringworm. Internal parasites live inside the digestive system and are detected by checking their blood or stool with a microscope. Some examples of internal parasites are coccidia, hookworm, heartworm, roundworm and tapeworm.

What are signs that my pet is infected with parasites?

During the early stages of a parasitic infection your pet may not show any signs. The signs may also vary based on the type of parasites they are infected with, some typical signs include:

• Scratching or gnawing at their skin
• Occasional cough
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness of the skin
• Brown or black discharge in the ear

What’s the best way to protect my pet from parasites?

A year-round prevention plan is the best way to protect your furry friend. Using preventative medication helps lessen the damage parasites can cause internally and externally. Since some parasites can be transmitted to humans, the rest of your family is also protected when your pet is on prevention medication. Preventatives can be administered on a monthly basis. Our team will consider your pet’s risk factors and recommend preventatives that meet all their needs. To get your pet started on a prevention plan, reach out to our team.