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Parasite Prevention
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Unfortunately, fleas and ticks are a common problem in our area. These blood-hungry parasites can cause a multitude of problems for you and your pets.
Fleas can cause intense itching due to allergies, anemia, and can transmit tapeworms if ingested during grooming. Alarmingly, flea pupae can live in a house for up to 18 months and can provide a reservoir for infestation if all pets are not treated appropriately. Year-round flea control is something to consider for those living in our area due to the dry, sandy environment. Learn more about the flea life cycle and control.
Ticks can carry and transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis to our canine population. Unlike fleas, ticks do not generate any type of itching behaviour for our pets so we often do not realize they are present until after they have been feeding for awhile and create a new "bump". It is important to do a daily tick check on yourself and pet if you have been in at-risk areas like forests, trails, or long grass.
Our vets will determine the best flea and tick programme tailored specifically to your pet and lifestyle. We have a wide range of excellent products, both topical and oral, to suit different pets and owners. Please contact us to discuss your pet's needs and the parasite control most suitable for their lifestyle.
Not all parasites cause diarrhea and not all intestinal parasites can be seen with the naked eye!
Regular deworming combined with an annual fecal check will keep your pet parasite-free and the humans in your house safe.
Cats and dogs can pick up worms from their mothers, other pets, by eating fleas, mice, voles, slugs, and snails, and by coming into contact with the feces of other animals such as coyotes and raccoons. There are several types of worms that will cause disease ranging from weight loss to severe life-threatening diarrhea.
Roundworm and hookworms can in rare cases be passed on to people, particularly children, and can cause disease and even blindness. Puppies and kittens are most often affected by these parasites which is why deworming them early is so important.
Giardia and coccidia are two microscopic intestinal parasites that can affect our pets. Giardia can, with some strains, affected people as well. This is why we recommend annual fecal sample checks as many parasite protocols do not have coverage for either of these parasites.
Echinococcus is an emerging tapeworm carried by coyotes that causes substantial diease in humans and dogs. It is only treatable in very early stages. If your pet lives in an area frequented by coyotes, please contact us for an appropriate dewormer as not all medications will cover this parasite.
Our deworming protocols and options vary depending age, species, and, lifestyle:
