Parasite Prevention and Control

Protecting Your Pet & Family

Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks to both pets and their human families. Understanding the types of parasites your pet may encounter and how to prevent them is key to safeguarding their health and well-being.

Types of Parasites

External Parasites

  • Fleas: Tiny insects that cause itching, skin irritation, and, in severe cases, anemia or flea allergy dermatitis.
  • Ticks: Carriers of serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, ticks can attach to your pet during outdoor activities.

Internal Parasites

  • Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes, these worms grow in your pet’s heart and lungs, causing life-threatening complications if left untreated.
  • Hookworms and Roundworms: Common in pets, these worms live in the intestines and can cause digestive upset, weight loss, and other health issues.

Why Prevention Matters

Preventing parasites is far easier—and safer—than treating an infestation or infection. Parasites can affect pets of all ages, and in some cases, they can also infect humans, particularly young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Preventative Measures

  • Routine Preventatives: Monthly treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworms are widely available in oral, topical, and collar forms. These products provide consistent protection against common pests.
  • Regular Testing: Annual tests for heartworm and intestinal parasites ensure early detection and prompt treatment if needed.
  • Environmental Control: Keep your yard and home clean, vacuum regularly, and remove standing water to reduce mosquito populations and flea breeding grounds.
  • Hygiene Practices: Wash your hands after handling pets, especially if they spend time outdoors, and ensure children do the same to minimize the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission.
  • Tick Screenings: Regular tick-borne disease screenings help identify infections like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis early, allowing for timely treatment.

Tailored Protection for Your Pet

Every pet has unique needs based on their age, lifestyle, and environment. At Brewster Veterinary Hospital, we’ll help you create a personalized parasite prevention plan that works for your pet and your family. With the right preventative measures in place, you can keep parasites at bay and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pet is protected.