Parasite Prevention
& Control
Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes via a bite. The mosquitoes transmit larvae, which pass through the dog’s tissues and ultimately develop into adult worms that lodge in the vessels of the lungs. These worms can be life-threatening. The treatment for heartworm disease is very expensive and can have significant side effects. Therefore, we recommend that all dogs receive heartworm preventative tablets once a month year round.
Annual Heartworm Test
In order to ensure your dog’s health, we will also perform an annual heartworm test. Sutton Animal Hospital carries a variety of heartworm preventatives, and our doctors would be happy to discuss which product best suits the needs of your pet.
Cats, even if living indoors only, can get heartworm disease as well. We are happy to talk about which topical preventative would be best for your cat during their medical exam.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks can not only trigger skin infections and severe itching from their bites, but also transmit serious diseases.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All of these diseases can lead to costly treatment and monitoring for secondary disease problems (kidney disease, platelet dysfunction, anemia, etc.). Simple monthly preventatives can help keep your pet healthy and safe from tick borne diseases. Flea and tick prevention should be administered once a month, year-round. There are misconceptions that flea/tick prevention can be stopped for the winter months however there is still a possibility of your pet being affected by these parasites during the winter. Many pets travel and can transmit fleas or ticks to your pet even with a short interaction. If a flea enters your home, the flea will lay eggs which can be buried deep into the carpet and once they hatch, will jump onto your untreated pet.
Cats should also be on monthly preventatives. Even if they are indoor only, they are still at risk for other animals to potentially bring in fleas and ticks.
We carry a variety of flea and tick preventatives and can help you select one based on your pet’s specific needs.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are very common in our companion animals, especially in puppies and kittens. We recommend testing your pet’s stool for parasites every 6 months. While your pet’s monthly heartworm preventative does provide some protection against certain common intestinal parasites, others require additional medications for treatment. It is important to screen for intestinal parasites as some of them have zoonotic (transmittable to humans) potential.
Signs of Gastrointestinal Parasites
Typically the most common signs of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats are diarrhea, vomiting and worm or rice like structures in the stool. Sometimes pets show no symptoms from parasites, so testing for them is an important way to keep you and your pet healthy.
