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Parasite Control and Prevention

Parasites are a common concern for pet owners, as they can cause a range of health problems in pets. Some common types of parasites in pets include fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. These parasites can cause discomfort, transmit diseases, and even lead to death in pets. By taking a proactive approach to parasite control and prevention, you can help keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and free from the harmful effects of parasites. Talk to your veterinarian to develop a personalized parasite control plan for your pet. All pets must be examined annually in order to purchase preventive products.

What are fleas?

Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances, which makes it easy for them to spread from host to host. We recommend treating all pets within the household. A flea problem on your pet means a flea problem in your home. Fleas can cause problems for pets ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don’t just stay on pets; they can bite people, too.

What to do when you spot a flea on your animal

Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances, which makes it easy for them to spread from host to host. We recommend treating all pets within the household. A flea problem on your pet means a flea problem in your home. Fleas can cause problems for pets ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don’t just stay on pets; they can bite people, too.

What are ticks?

Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Ticks are commonly found in outdoor environments and can attach to a host as they brush against vegetation. Once attached, ticks can feed on the host's blood for several days. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis.  Ticks can hide under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. Ticks can be active in ground level temperatures as low as 3 degrees Celsius. With the temperatures constantly fluctuating throughout the year we now recommend using preventatives all year round. 

What is heartworm?

It is a blood/heart parasite spread from an infected canine (dog, wolf, coyote) to another dog/cat by mosquitoes. In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue, and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infection can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition usually causes death.

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Although often thought to not be susceptible to heartworm infection, cats can indeed get heartworms. Cats can suffer from a syndrome referred to as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD); the symptoms can be subtle and may mimic those of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, and panting, are common. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting (typically unrelated to eating), and loss of appetite or weight. Heartworm infection is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs.

How do I know if my pet has parasites?

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Hair loss

  • Worms in stool

  • Scratching and licking

How do I protect my pet from parasites?

To ensure the health and well-being of your pet, it's important to implement a parasite control and prevention program. At our clinic, we offer a variety of preventatives for your pet, including both topical and oral options. It's important to remember that even if certain parasites are not prevalent during certain seasons, it's still important to provide preventatives to your pet year-round. It is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian about the most effective preventatives for your pet if you are traveling with them. This will help ensure the health and well-being of your pet and protect them from the harmful effects of parasites.

Click the link below to see what preventative product might be best for your pet.

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