Parasite Control (heartworm, flea/tick, deworming)
Anyone, including pets, can be vulnerable to occasional itching, but if you find your dog or cat scratching too much, you may have a more serious problem on your hands. That's why pet owners need to take parasite control very seriously, not only for their pet's comfort but to prevent health problems in their pet and their entire household. At Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center in Collierville, Tennessee, we take parasite control and prevention seriously in order to help protect the health of your pets, and you.
Deworming and Heartworm Prevention and Control
When it comes to deworming and heartworm prevention and control in Collierville as well as the nearby communities of Germantown and Piperton, a joint effort is needed between your veterinarian and you in order to keep a healthy household. If your pet is experiencing lower energy or digestion problems there is a chance that they may have contracted intestinal worms such as tapeworms, roundworms or hookworms, which can be transmitted to humans and cause illness. It is because of this that it is so important that pets be checked regularly for worms and their owners take preventative measures, such as regular hand washing and picking up their pet's waste immediately or as soon as possible to limit exposure. This includes keeping litter boxes as clean as possible, In order to properly check for these parasites, a stool sample is normally needed.
Heartworm, while still an internal parasite is especially dangerous to pets, especially dogs, and is normally carried by mosquitoes between dog waste. If a dog contracts heartworm, worms can grow to several feet inside their intestines. It is because of this that dogs be checked for heartworm, and take a monthly preventative medication to protect them further.
Flea and Tick Control
Controlling fleas and ticks on your pet is as important as controlling internal parasites. Both flea and tick populations can multiply quickly leaving you with a harmful infestation in your home. Ticks have been known to cause diseases in humans such as Lyme disease, making it all the more important to stay on top of flea and tick control. While there are over the counter products available around Germanville, Piperton, and Collierville, getting a recommendation or even a prescription treatment for your pet from your vet will bring you better protection.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends that pets be tested annually for tick related diseases and that they have fecal examinations at least twice a year -- more often if they are kittens or puppies.
Call Our Collierville Animal Clinic Today!
At Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center, we are committed to keeping your pets as healthy and happy as possible and even offer a complimentary well pet visit for new patients. If you are concerned about parasites showing up in or on your pet, call us at 901-853-8519 to set up an appointment. We can help you determine whether a problem is present, and get treatment started is necessary to prevent it from spreading before more serious issues present themselves.