Get Rid Of Those Pesky Critters.

Your pet is an easy target for parasites and small insects. Common parasites like ticks, fleas and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes feed on your pets, potentially infecting them with many dangerous diseases. Discover how these tiny pests can cause big problems.

Fleas

These bloodsucking insects feed on mammals and lay eggs in their fur. Fleas can transmit harmful parasites like tapeworms and Murine typhus and can cause dermatitis and anemia. One flea can reproduce nearly 50 times a day, so a flea infestation can be a substantial threat to your pet’s well-being. Flea infestations often spread throughout your home; fleas will live in your carpet and furniture, making them tough to eradicate.

Ticks

Ticks are found lurking in shrubs and tall grass. When they attach to your pets, they bite them and feed on their blood. Although it is nearly microscopic, the tick represents one of the most potent dangers to your pet’s health. A single tick bite can carry a host of potentially fatal diseases including Lyme disease, typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. We test for these diseases using a lab blood test that is included in routine blood tests.

Although rare, animal-to-human transfer is possible, making the tick hazardous to you and your family. You should inspect yourself and your pet after any woodland outdoor activities.

Heartworm

Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can be a lethal danger to your pet. Once a mosquito’s bite transmits heartworm larva to your animal, it then slowly develops and makes its way toward the heart. There, it reproduces within your pet’s pulmonary artery, leading to constricted blood flow, heart disease and major organ failure. Heartworms in dogs can be fatal if not treated!

Parasite Prevention Plan

Regular application of anti-parasitic medication is the best way to keep your pet free of nasty parasites. Consult with your 43rd Avenue Animal Hospital veterinarian to determine the best parasite-control products for your pet.
43rd Avenue Animal Hospital’s Parasite Prevention Plan includes:

  • Pet examination and testing
  • Parasite-control product consultation with a 43rd Avenue Animal Hospital veterinarian
  • Access to industry-best medicine and equipment

Schedule an appointment immediately if you suspect that your cat or dog may be infected already.