If you have a pet, you may have heard about parasites such as ticks, fleas, and heartworms. These parasites can cause infections and other health conditions in dogs and cats. At Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville, we offer veterinary care that includes parasite prevention. If you have questions about your pet's veterinary care and potential parasites, here's what you should know.
Flea Prevention
Fleas are one of the most common pests that can affect your pets. Flea bites can cause irritation to both pets and people, resulting in itchy bumps. Additionally, fleas can cause anemia due to blood loss. If your pet eats fleas, it can also contract tapeworms. Dogs and cats are uncomfortable when covered in flea bites. Our veterinary care involves treatment in the form of medication that kills existing fleas and prevents more fleas from jumping on your pet. Your vet can provide additional information about keeping fleas out of your home naturally.
Tick Prevention
Ticks latch onto pets, including cats and dogs. Ticks not only bite but also spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can cause bacterial infections, some of which can spread to humans. Some diseases ticks spread can actually be fatal. For that reason, your veterinarian will help you get medication that eliminates vulnerability to these conditions. Prescribed medications can provide long-term prevention. You can also talk to your pet's vet about ways to avoid attracting ticks to your yard.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm spreads through mosquito bites, and it can cause serious issues for your pet. Regular prevention is the best way to protect your furry family members from this potentially deadly disease. There are many options available for heartworm prevention. The first step is to visit your veterinarian for a heartworm test. This will help your vet determine which type of prevention is best for your pet. Some options include monthly topical treatments, liquid drops placed on the back of your pet's neck, and chewable tablets.
Visit Our Veterinarian for Parasite Prevention
At Callahan Drive Animal Hospital, we make sure that your cats and dogs are protected from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other pests. Your pet doesn't have to live with bites and diseases that may come with them. Call our clinic in Knoxville at (865) 938-0243 to learn more about protecting your pets against parasites.