Parasite Prevention at Juniata Veterinary Clinic
Parasite prevention is an essential part of pet care for all owners. Fortunately, parasite prevention has become easier to do over the years, thanks to products from your vet. Learn more about preventing parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms from Juniata Veterinary Clinic in Mifflintown, PA.
Fleas
The number one parasite that affects an animal is fleas. They not only make a pet’s life miserable but can also make the human members of the family miserable too. Fleas will hop from one animal to another for a blood meal. In addition, fleas transmit tapeworms and various other diseases. Fleas can be prevented with medications or topical treatments placed in between the shoulder blades. These medications from our vets should be given once a month year-round.
Ticks
Ticks also transmit diseases, including diseases to people. The good thing about flea prevention medication is that it usually prevents ticks, too. Pets that spend any time outdoors need to be checked for ticks when they come in. Ticks especially like areas with tall grass. Any live ticks found on a pet o to be removed with care. Use tweezers to gently grasp the tick and steadily pull it off the pet. Flush the tick down the toilet.
Heartworms
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, then your pet will be exposed to heartworms. Heartworms live months after the mosquito season ends, so it is important for your pet to maintain heartworm prevention year-round. Most heartworm prevention medications also prevent other kinds of worms. Prevention can only kill juvenile heartworms. If your pet is suffering from heartworms, more complex treatment is needed. Heartworms can kill dogs or cats if left untreated. That’s why it’s best to get your pet tested annually for heartworms at our animal clinic.
Roundworms
Roundworms have become less common over the years but remain a serious threat to the health of dogs and cats. Kittens and puppies are most susceptible to infestations. Heartworm prevention medications usually take care of roundworms, too. It is still a good idea at your pet’s annual check-up to give a stool sample to our vets. This way, we can easily check for worms or worm eggs.