Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem! Warming temperatures mean year-round prevention is key to making sure your pet is protected from these pests or the diseases they may carry. Don’t overlook the problems they can cause: Fleas often trigger dermatitis, tapeworm and hot spots; one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm.

In addition to preventive medications, you should thoroughly check your pets for fleas and ticks on a daily basis if they’ve been outdoors. Although fleas and ticks can be anywhere on your pet’s body, they prefer posting up near the head, ears, neck and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas if you notice little black specks that resemble pepper or bits of dirt.

Both the incidence of Lyme disease from tick bites and heartworm from mosquitoes are on the rise around the country. Lyme disease is rarely fatal, but heartworm is more so because often there are no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. While there is treatment for dogs, it can be expensive and very hard on your pet.

Our team adhears to the parasite guidelines from the CAPC, or Companion Animal Parasite Council. For more information on these guidelines, please visit their site here or to see the prevalence of certain parasites by region, click here.

Parasite Testing and Protection Guided by Veterinarians

To ensure your pet’s ongoing health and well-being, regular preventive care is essential. This includes conducting scheduled check-ups every 6 to 12 months. These routine physical examinations help catch any potential health issues early and allow for timely intervention for parasite-related illnesses.

Heartworm disease can be devastating for pets, especially dogs. It’s crucial to conduct annual heartworm testing for dogs and cats before starting heartworm preventive measures, followed by regular testing as recommended by your veterinarian.

In areas where tick-borne diseases are prevalent, annual testing for tick-transmitted pathogens is highly recommended. This is especially important to safeguard your pet’s health, as these diseases can be serious if left untreated.

Fecal examinations, particularly using centrifugation, are vital for assessing your pet’s gastrointestinal health. Young pets should undergo these exams at least four times in their first year, while adults should have them at least twice a year, based on their health and lifestyle factors.

Tailoring parasite control programs to your pet’s local parasite prevalence and their individual lifestyle is crucial. This personalized approach ensures effective prevention and control of parasites that might affect your pet.

In regions where Lyme disease is prevalent, consider vaccinating your dog against Borrelia burgdorferi to prevent this serious tick-borne illness.

Before your pet visits shared animal facilities or boarding spaces, it’s essential to confirm their recent parasite testing and ensure they’re up-to-date on comprehensive parasite control measures. This precaution helps maintain the health of your pet and those they may encounter in shared environments.

By prioritizing regular preventive care, you’re investing in your pet’s long-term health and happiness.

Every Pet, All Year Long

Administering year-round broad-spectrum parasite control is crucial for your pet’s well-being. This regimen should effectively target heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks. Ensuring control of parasites, especially those with zoonotic potential, is essential not just for your pet’s health but for the entire household’s safety.

For young puppies and kittens, it’s important to start deworming treatment at 2 weeks of age. This treatment should be repeated every 2 weeks until regular broad-spectrum parasite control begins or as recommended by your veterinarian. This proactive approach helps prevent the development and spread of various internal parasites in young animals.

Additionally, maintaining pregnant and nursing dams on broad-spectrum control products is vital. This ensures that both the mother and her puppies are protected from potential parasitic threats during these critical stages.

By implementing these measures, you’re actively safeguarding your pet’s health and reducing the risk of parasitic infections that could impact their well-being.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Call our VIDA Vet Denver office at 303-757-5638 or fill out our online scheduling form, to schedule an appointment for your pet.