Parasite Control
Parasites are a common problem with dogs and cats. We recommend the following:
Stool Sample: It is very important to check a stool sample annually on all pets. It is even more important to check stool samples on ALL puppies and kittens, as the parasites are transmitted directly to the puppies and kittens through the mother's milk. Some parasites that our pets can carry are considering zoonotic, which means that these parasites can be transmitted to us and cause problems. A common misconception about intestinal parasites is that most people think that they can see the parasites in the stool, but the truth is, 90% of the time, the pet is passing microscopic eggs that you will never see. That is why we can run a test here in our clinic that can detect these parasites and then the problem can be corrected.
Heartworm disease is transmitted to your pet by mosquitoes. This disease can be difficult to treat and can be fatal. We highly recommend starting your pet on heartworm preventative as soon as your puppy comes in for its first exam, and continuing your pet on preventative for the rest of its life. If you plan on starting your older pet on preventative, we would highly recommend screening your pet for heartworm disease before starting preventative. We recommend giving Heartgard Plus monthly, and this also serves as a monthly dewormer for hookworms and roundworm infections.
Ticks can transmit several diseases, including lymes disease, anaplasma, and ehrlichia. These diseases can cause problems in your dog. Applying a MONTHLY preventative (we recommend Frontline Plus), at least through March-November, is crucial in preventing these diseases. If left undetected, they can cause problems with your pet, including sudden lameness, vomitting, loss of appetite, and if left for longer periods of time, can cause kidney and other organ problems. A simple blood screening test, which only requires 3 drops of blood (the test is called a 4DX) can determine right in our clinic within 8 minutes if your pet is carrying any of these harmful diseases, and they can be treated and monitored as needed. Dogs should also be vaccinated for Lymes disease.
Fleas can be around all year, so applying a monthly preventative like Frontline Plus will stop these pesky critters from infiltrating your home and pet. Frontline Plus is applied directly to your pets skin, and is spread through the oil glands on the skin. It is also waterproof. If you notice fleas, apply Frontline Plus immediatly and stop in to the clinic to buy a product to treat your house safely. Do not panic if you still see fleas on your pet, even after a few weeks. The flea cycle can be very difficult to break. If you do have a flea problem, it is CRUCIAL to treat ALL pets in your home, even outside pets, at least 3 months in a row. Frontline Plus carries a SATISFACTION PLUS GUARANTEE ask us about it. We are excited to be carrying NexGard, the first and only chew that kills BOTH fleas AND ticks , made by the manufacturers' of Frontline Plus,
Ear Mites can be a problem if left untreated in young and adult cats. They can also be found in dogs. If found upon exam, the mites can be easily treated with a topical product applied to your pet's skin, and then the ear infection itself can be treated with medication put in the ears.
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Stool Sample: It is very important to check a stool sample annually on all pets. It is even more important to check stool samples on ALL puppies and kittens, as the parasites are transmitted directly to the puppies and kittens through the mother's milk. Some parasites that our pets can carry are considering zoonotic, which means that these parasites can be transmitted to us and cause problems. A common misconception about intestinal parasites is that most people think that they can see the parasites in the stool, but the truth is, 90% of the time, the pet is passing microscopic eggs that you will never see. That is why we can run a test here in our clinic that can detect these parasites and then the problem can be corrected.
Heartworm disease is transmitted to your pet by mosquitoes. This disease can be difficult to treat and can be fatal. We highly recommend starting your pet on heartworm preventative as soon as your puppy comes in for its first exam, and continuing your pet on preventative for the rest of its life. If you plan on starting your older pet on preventative, we would highly recommend screening your pet for heartworm disease before starting preventative. We recommend giving Heartgard Plus monthly, and this also serves as a monthly dewormer for hookworms and roundworm infections.
Ticks can transmit several diseases, including lymes disease, anaplasma, and ehrlichia. These diseases can cause problems in your dog. Applying a MONTHLY preventative (we recommend Frontline Plus), at least through March-November, is crucial in preventing these diseases. If left undetected, they can cause problems with your pet, including sudden lameness, vomitting, loss of appetite, and if left for longer periods of time, can cause kidney and other organ problems. A simple blood screening test, which only requires 3 drops of blood (the test is called a 4DX) can determine right in our clinic within 8 minutes if your pet is carrying any of these harmful diseases, and they can be treated and monitored as needed. Dogs should also be vaccinated for Lymes disease.
Fleas can be around all year, so applying a monthly preventative like Frontline Plus will stop these pesky critters from infiltrating your home and pet. Frontline Plus is applied directly to your pets skin, and is spread through the oil glands on the skin. It is also waterproof. If you notice fleas, apply Frontline Plus immediatly and stop in to the clinic to buy a product to treat your house safely. Do not panic if you still see fleas on your pet, even after a few weeks. The flea cycle can be very difficult to break. If you do have a flea problem, it is CRUCIAL to treat ALL pets in your home, even outside pets, at least 3 months in a row. Frontline Plus carries a SATISFACTION PLUS GUARANTEE ask us about it. We are excited to be carrying NexGard, the first and only chew that kills BOTH fleas AND ticks , made by the manufacturers' of Frontline Plus,
Ear Mites can be a problem if left untreated in young and adult cats. They can also be found in dogs. If found upon exam, the mites can be easily treated with a topical product applied to your pet's skin, and then the ear infection itself can be treated with medication put in the ears.
Back