Parasite Control & Prevention

Parasites can cause life-threatening issues for your pet. The only way to offer your pet protection is to have them on a year-round prevention plan. Protecting your pet can also protect your family as many parasites are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted to humans. 

What parasites can infect my pet?

Your pet can get infected by two types of parasites, internal and external. Internal parasites are extremely dangerous because they live inside your pet and can go undetected for long periods of time. Roundworms, heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and tapeworms are considered internal parasites as they usually live inside the gastrointestinal tract. External parasites affect your pet’s skin, and they include ticks, fleas, and mites. 

How do they affect my pet?

It’s easier to detect external parasites as the signs are visible. On the other hand, symptoms of an internal parasite infection can be so subtle that they are missed – especially in the early stages. Here’s what you should look out for:

●    Swollen belly
●    Protruding lumps
●    Itching and scratching
●    Scooting
●    Hives
●    Diarrhea
●    Vomiting
●    Weight loss

Without treatment, their symptoms will only worsen and may even be fatal. This is why we strongly recommend a prevention plan that includes routine testing.

How does parasite prevention work?

An effective prevention plan can protect your pet throughout the year. Even though many believe that parasites don't attack in the winter, this isn’t true, and your pet still needs to be protected. The veterinarian may recommend a monthly preventative in the form of injections, oral tablets, or topical creams. Along with this, your loyal companion needs yearly deworming. Schedule an appointment with us at 289-278-6001 to discuss parasite prevention for your pet.