Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks... they’re no fun for anyone, but when your pet isn’t protected they can bring harm. Parasites carry many diseases that can be both costly to treat and sometimes life-threatening. In our temperate climate here in Northern California, parasites also thrive year-round, making prevention a must for all seasons.

dog and child playingFlea and Tick Control

Fleas can easily create an infestation because they are capable of laying thousands of eggs and living on a host animal, sometimes without many noticeable signs. When signs do emerge, like chronic scratching or flea bite dermatitis, an infestation has likely already taken place.

Ticks, too, can thrive throughout winter months and certain species, such as the Western black-legged tick, carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. Ticks also are vectors for zoonotic illnesses which can harm human family members too.

Heartworm Prevention

It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit larvae (undeveloped heartworms) to a dog or cat. Heartworm disease is serious, complicated by its lack of visible symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed.

In our region, heartworm continues to be on the rise with more dogs and cats diagnosed with this disease. Treating heartworm is complicated and sometimes requires surgery. In cats, the disease is oftentimes fatal.

For these reasons, we recommend protecting your pet through annual heartworm testing and prevention.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites, from whipworms to roundworms, are common in most domestic pets as well as some exotic species. As a part of your puppy/kitten wellness care, screening and deworming are essential as these parasites are passed on from the mother. Pets can also frequently come into contact with these parasites via fleas and infected animals.

This makes wellness care appointments where screening takes place-all the more important for both pet and human health.

Monthly parasite protection is essential to preventive care, but many over-the-counter products can vary in quality and some can be harmful to other household pets. Please call us for the right preventive for your pet.