Preventive Services
Flea Prevention and Control
Fleas can cause serious skin issues, such as severe skin infections, itching, and hair loss. Some animals can become allergic to fleas, leading to flea allergy dermatitis, the most common skin disease in dogs and cats. They can also transmit infections and parasites, such as Bartonella and tapeworms, which can cause health issues in pets and people.
Many products are available for year-round flea control to help keep your pets and family safe from this pesky parasite. Let our team know if you have any questions about how to protect your pet from fleas.
Heartworm Prevention
Mosquitoes transmit heartworms and can infect all dogs and cats regardless of age, sex, or living environment. Because mosquitoes spread heartworms, any pet exposed to mosquitoes should be tested. Since mosquitoes are prevalent in our area and can be fatal, we recommend that pets that only go outside occasionally and indoor pets be tested.
Due to the heartworms’ life cycle, your pet may not exhibit signs of illness until adult worms have developed in the lungs, which can take 5-7 months. As the disease progresses, your pet may develop a cough, become lethargic, have a decreased appetite, or have difficulty breathing. We recommend yearly testing and year-round prevention to prevent infection. Please let our team know if you have any questions about prevention or heartworm disease, and we can get you started on the proper prevention and protection for your pet.
Tick Prevention
Ticks can attach to your pet and transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, tick paralysis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are commonly found in wooded or grassy areas, brush, and shrubs. Ticks can be active in temperatures above 36 degrees F, making them increasingly common in our area with mild winters.
Most preventatives we recommend kill ticks within 24 hours of contact with your pet, but the best preventative is regular tick checks after your pet enters your home during active seasons. If you have questions about prevention or tick removal, please call our clinic!