Parasite Prevention for Dogs

Both internal and external parasites are a serious health risk to both your dog and your family. It is important to the long term good health of your dog to keep your dog free from parasites.

During your dog’s wellness exam, we will conduct a blood test to test your dog for heartworm and may recommend a fecal analysis to ensure that your dog is free of intestinal parasites. We will also discuss how to protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and heartworms, as well as provide you with recommendations on the safest and most effective monthly preventative medications.

Types of Parasites

Intestinal parasites include four common worms and a few species of microscopic protozoan. The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Coccidia, toxoplasmosis and giardia are a few varieties of the protozoa.

External parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. These parasites not only cause discomfort, scratching, and skin infections, but they can also transmit several serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Babeseosis, Tularemia, Typhus, Plague, Hemobartonellosis, and more.

Many of these internal and external parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, poor hair coat, and anemia in your dog.  Some are associated with minimal signs of illness in dogs, but may present a significant health threat to the humans also in the home.

Parasite treatment also varies with the type of parasite — that’s why it’s important that we correctly identify the parasite before giving your dog any medication. If you think your dog has intestinal parasites, contact us for help in accurately diagnosing and treating the problem.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and, if left untreated, can be fatal.  Your dog needs an annual blood test for heartworm to be sure they are heartworm-free and to be on heartworm prevention all year around.

Parasites – Fecal Exam

It is important to have your dog’s fecal sample checked twice a year for the presence of parasites. With regular examinations we can help protect your dog and family against internal and external parasites.