Pets can be exposed to and become infected with a number of different parasites. The most common are external parasites affecting the skin such as fleas, lice, mites (scabies or mange) and ticks, intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworm and tapeworm (commonly referred to as “worms”) and heartworm in the heart and blood stream. They can vary in significance from being a relatively minor nuisance to posing a severe, even fatal threat to your pet. In some cases parasites affecting dogs and cats can pose a significant health threat to people as well; especially very young, very old or immuno-compromised people.
External parasites can be diagnosed by a physical exam or a test such as a skin scraping, intestinal parasites are diagnosed by a fecal exams using a microscope (parasite eggs are very tiny….you can’t see them with the naked eye) and heartworm is diagnosed with a blood test. Many people opt to put their pets on broad spectrum preventives over the summer months so that their pets don’t become infected.
There are a variety of parasite control products available on the market that vary from so called “natural” products to over the counter products to prescription products available from veterinarians. Because of the wide variation in effectiveness and safety of products, we recommend using a prescription product available from us. Prescription products are very effective, safe and guaranteed when used properly. We have used these products extensively and can recommend them with confidence. We can help you decide what product will give you the protection you want in a format that is easy to use. Please see links below: