Bug(s) Off!
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem for our beloved furry friends! Here in San Antonio, our warm temperatures mean year-round parasite prevention is absolutely key to keeping your precious pet protected from these pesky invaders and the diseases they can carry. Don’t underestimate the problems these tiny troublemakers can cause: fleas often trigger uncomfortable dermatitis, tapeworm infections, and painful hot spots; just one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases; and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm disease.
In addition to preventive medications, we recommend thoroughly checking your pets for fleas and ticks daily if they’ve been enjoying the great outdoors. Although these parasites can show up anywhere on your pet’s body, they love to set up camp near the head, ears, neck, and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas by looking for little black specks that look like pepper or tiny bits of dirt on your furry friend’s skin.
Prevention is Always Better Than Treatment
Lyme disease from tick bites and heartworm from mosquitoes are unfortunately on the rise around the country. While Lyme disease is rarely fatal, heartworm is much more serious because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. Although there is a treatment available for dogs, it can be expensive and very hard on your beloved companion’s body. For cats, there is currently NO treatment for heartworm disease, which makes preventative treatment for our feline friends a key part of their health care.
We firmly believe prevention is always the best treatment for our NDS family pets! We carry many different types of safe, effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, and your caring NDS Animal Hospital veterinarian will help you choose the perfect option for your furry friend’s lifestyle and needs.
Internal Parasites: The Hidden Threat
Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia can cause serious health problems for your furry friend—and some of these pests can even be transmitted to people. These microscopic troublemakers often go undetected because many pets don’t show obvious symptoms until the infection becomes severe.
Roundworms and giardia are especially concerning because they’re zoonotic, meaning they can spread from your beloved pet to your family members. Children are particularly at risk since they’re more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil or pet waste during play.
Common signs of internal parasites include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, or scooting across the floor. However, many infected pets appear perfectly healthy, which is why we recommend regular fecal testing as part of your pet’s routine wellness care.
Ready to keep your furry family member protected from parasites all year long? Call us—we’re here to help you give your pet the protection they deserve!