Parasite Prevention
Pets need protection from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites – and they count on us to provide this protection. Without proper parasite prevention, pets are exposed to harmful and, in some cases, life-threatening diseases and infections. Parasites are present in nearly every environment, and Tennessee is no exception.
The medical team at Concord Veterinary Hospital follows a two-step parasite prevention process, including annual parasite testing and year-round preventative medication. Preventative medicines come in many types; we can help you determine the best treatment for your pet’s needs and your lifestyle. Year-round prevention is essential to the health of all dogs and cats, especially when parasite populations are at their peak during spring and summer months.
Did you know some parasites that affect dogs and cats can also afflict humans? We recommend yearly parasite testing in combination with a preventative medication in order to best protect your human family and pet family from parasites. Checking your pet for intestinal parasites is critical for your pet’s health, but also for the health of your family. Hookworms and other parasites are considered zoonotic, which means they can be transferred from animals to humans.
Common Parasites
Fleas are notorious for causing itchy and painful bites on the skin. Fleas are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, but they are present and pesky year round. Untreated flea infestation can lead to serious concerns like anemia and death, and once fleas enter your home, they are very difficult to eradicate and can harm humans as well. Fortunately, there are various forms of flea prevention, including collars, topical treatments, and oral medicine.
Ticks carry a host of harmful diseases, such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, and are highly prevalent in our area. To keep your pet safe from ticks, administer continuous monthly preventatives, especially during spring and summer months, and check your pet’s skin and coat for ticks after spending time outside.
Heartworms are contracted through the bite of a mosquito, and invade the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to irreversible organ damage, severe illness, and death. In the beginning stages, symptoms are hard to pinpoint, which makes continuous prevention paramount to the safety of your pet. Dogs are common hosts, but cats can be infected as well.
Intestinal parasites are common in pets, and present the risk for malnourishment and serious illness. Common intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, and certain intestinal parasites are transmissible from pets to people. To protect your pet family and human family, continuous prevention is a must.
Pet Parasite Prevention Near You
For more information schedule an appointment or call us at (865) 966-4135.
