Parasite Prevention

Both you and your pet will benefit for avoiding parasite problems before they arise. It is easier and more cost effective to prevention infections before they occur. There are many products used to prevention infections and our staff will be more than happy to assist you in helping you find the best prevention for your pet.

Common parasites found in dogs and cats:

Heartworms

Almost 300,000 dogs in the U.S. are infected with heartworm each year. Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, heartworm can cause heart and lung damage. Left untreated they can cause death. Due to North Carolina’s climate we have one of the highest rates of heartworm disease in the country. Yearly heartworm testing and monthly prevention is highly recommended.

Hookworms

Hookworms are intestinal parasites that are not only painful for your dog, but can be passed to your family. They are transmitted by ingestion of infected soil or fecal matter or by microscopic larvae penetrating through the pads of your pet’s feet. Humans can also become infected on their internal organs, intestinal tract, and skin.

Roundworms

Roundworms are intestinal parasites that can be contracted by both you and your dog. Almost all puppies get roundworms from their mothers. They are transmitted by ingesting soil or fecal matter and by eating infected animals, such as rodents. If infected, people can develop round worms in their lungs, liver, and eyes. 10,000 people are infected with roundworm per year.

Whipworms

Whipworms eggs pass through the feces. Ingestion on the eggs is the most common way dogs are infected. Whipworms can survive in the soil for up to 7 years.

Fleas

One flea can lay 1,400 eggs in one month’s time. They can infest you home even in winter months. Please can cause severe skin infection, anemia, and will start feeding on humans if the number is great enough.

Ticks

Ticks are irritating arthropods whose goal is to feed on any warm-blooded creature. They can transmit Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We recommend using tick prevention and routine screening for these diseases.