Parasite Prevention

Parasites can be a common – sometimes constant – concern for pets and their owners. Parasites can be found year-round and in many different environments, so it’s likely that your pet will encounter a parasite at some point in their lives. Some parasites can even be transmitted from animals to humans! The effects of a parasite on your pet can range from irritating and uncomfortable to dangerous and life-threatening. Overall, parasites such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and worms are not simply an annoyance, they can cause disease and (if left undiscovered or untreated) possibly more serious conditions.

Thankfully, at Noe Animal Hospital we have many methods of prevention and treatment available to help you. We will expertly examine your pet for evidence of parasites, test for any parasites that might be present, and treat your pet if necessary. Along with treating your pet we can provide you with education on the medication options that are available to help prevent parasites in the future. Before starting a preventive course, you will need to have your pet tested, and we can guide you through the process.

Parasites can generally be grouped into two categories: internal (such as worms) and external (such as fleas, ticks and mites). Noe Animal Hospital provides services for prevention and treatment of various common parasites. These include:

Flea & Tick Prevention and Treatment
Fleas and ticks can irritate pets and owners alike. Beyond that, ticks carry bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, which can be much more destructive, even in humans. But with safe, effective methods of prevention such as medicated treats, prevention can be as easy as giving your pet a special treat once a month. Staying on top of flea and tick prevention can not only help your pet stay healthy and comfortable, it can keep you and your pet safer from disease.

Ear Mite Treatment
Ear mites, as the name states, are parasites that take up residence inside your pet’s ears. They can cause severe itching and swelling, and if left untreated they can eventually even cause bacterial infections and deafness. Treatment of ear mites is generally simple and effective with medication.

Internal Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Some common internal parasites are giardia, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. These live inside your pet’s body, often in the intestinal tract (which is why we might sometimes ask you for a stool sample from your pet). Intestinal parasites can be transmitted to other animals and humans alike, so the best course of action is early detection and prevention. Treatment of the infected pet is also available to get rid of any parasites present.

Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are a deadly – though preventable – parasite that’s spread and transmitted to your pet through mosquitoes. If infected with heartworm, your pet may seem perfectly normal, eating and drinking as usual, and behaving normally. Meanwhile, the disease can spread to other animals, and the worms continue to grow in your pet’s heart. This can result in eventual long-lasting heart damage and even sudden death.

The good news is that heartworm infestation can be prevented easily with a monthly dose of medicine. Call Noe Animal Hospital to get started!