Black dog on leash

Parasite Control and Prevention for Pets

When it comes to your pet’s overall health and well-being, prevention is key. At Pacific Rim Veterinary Hospital, we are here to help you protect your loyal companion from fleas, ticks and other parasites that can harm them and cause severe health conditions. Aside from keeping your pet healthy, parasite control can also protect you and the other human members of your family. As you may already know, some diseases that pets can get from parasites can be transmitted to people (e.g. rabies, Lyme disease). Please contact us to schedule your next appointment and to discuss which preventive options will work best for your pet and your lifestyle.

How can I protect my pet from fleas, ticks and other parasites?

The best way to ensure that your pet is always protected is to have them on a year-round parasite prevention plan. Nowadays, you can choose from different types of medications, that come in all kinds of forms. During routine exams, our team can provide recommendations that are tailored to your pet’s specific needs, environment and routine.

What are signs that my pet has fleas, ticks, or other parasites?

Although every pet is different, there are some common symptoms that you can watch out for. If you notice your furry family member displaying any of these symptoms, we recommend that you contact us immediately so that we can address the issue and remedy it ASAP.

  • Itching and scratching
  • Hair loss and dry skin
  • Red bumps
  • Protruding lumps
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Do indoor cats/dogs/pets still need parasite control and prevention?

    Absolutely. Even if your loyal companion spends most or all of their time indoors, they can still be exposed to harmful and disease-carrying parasites. Even those who live in high-rise condos are still at risk. Other animals and people coming in and out of the building can bring parasites inside your home.

    Do pets need parasite control or prevention even in the wintertime?

    The short answer is, yes! As we touched on above, it’s best to make sure that your pet is protected all year round. A common misconception is that pests are no longer around in the winter, when in fact, many of them can still thrive, especially indoors in the warmer areas of our homes. For example, intestinal parasites or worms, can infect your pet and live inside them even in the winter. Ticks and fleas are also still alive in the colder months. Pets who spend time with other pets in close proximity can still catch similar kinds of parasites even after the summer season is long over.