We perform yearly fecal exams checking for various parasites that your pet may have obtained over the last year. Some of these parasites are easily contracted, just simply by walking in an area where an infected animal has been. We can detect these parasites even before your pet is showing signs of infection. This is the best time to diagnose them.
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. For more information, contact us or see the flea article in the Pet Health Library on our site.
You don’t want these blood-sucking parasites on your pet or in your home. We can help keep them away or help you get rid of them if they’ve already found their way inside. Call us to find out how to eliminate and control fleas or to start your pet on a preventive today.
We perform yearly heartworm tests as well. Heartworm disease can be life threatening leading to heart and lung disease. We have seen dogs as young as 3 years old die of congestive heart failure due to heartworms. They are spread by mosquitoes and yes dogs that only live indoors are also susceptible. Prevention is a once a month tablet or chewable treat. They need to get the prevention once a month, every month. The heartworm prevention does require a prescription from your veterinarian. Dogs must be tested before starting prevention due to possible reactions if a positive dog is given prevention. Pet owners must also be aware of purchasing heartworm preventatives from on-line pharmacies. Though you may save few dollars, you will lose the manufacture’s warranty on the product, which will pay for your Veterinary bill if your pet were to become positive.
Cats can also be infected with heartworms. They do not require a test to start prevention but it is a good idea to be checked by a veterinarian before starting prevention. They need to be given prevention once a month also.
We do offer heartworm treatments if your dog does happen to get infected. There are no approved treatments for heartwoms in cats.
Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. 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. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.
The best method for keeping ticks off your pet is by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and highly effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Call us to get your pet protected today!
Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide easily 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. And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have.