Preventing Cat and Dog Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms in Schertz, TX: Why it's Important
Dogs and cats don’t just make great companions for us; they also, unfortunately, make great hosts for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Our animal hospital in Schertz, TX is fully dedicated to supporting your pet’s health as they make their way through life, and parasite prevention is a big part of that. Our veterinarians strongly recommend keeping your pet on parasite preventatives throughout the year to ensure complete protection, day in and day out. Give us a call at (210) 659-0345 or make an appointment online to get started.
This video shows heartworm larvae in a blood sample viewed under a microscope. See them moving?
Indoor Pets Still Need Parasite Protection
Yes! Parasites aren’t just tiny enough to squeeze into your house; they can also sneak in by hitching a ride on your shoes or clothes, or on your pet’s fur coat. The risk of an infestation or infection is still there!
Cat and Dog Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes which carry heartworm larvae. When they take a meal, these larvae are transferred into the pet’s bloodstream. Once they reach the heart and lungs, they can mature and reproduce freely, putting increasing strain on the aforementioned organs. In dogs, this process can take time, and clinical symptoms may not be observable for months or even years. In cats, it takes far fewer heartworms to result in fatality, but dogs can also be in serious danger if their condition goes untreated.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are some of the most irritating pests, causing ongoing headaches for people and itchy skin for dogs and cats. For some animals, a flea bite can result in an allergic reaction. Ticks are capable of passing infections on to their hosts and causing such illnesses as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. These diseases, while not widespread among dogs and cats, can still cause harm, and in the case of Lyme disease, affect humans, too.
We Offer a Variety of High-Quality Parasite Prevention Medications
If you need preventatives for your pet, Schertz Animal Hospital has exactly what your pet needs, with products that include:
- Proheart 12 – Proheart 12 is an injectable preventative for dogs that provides one full year of heartworm protection.
- Bravecto – Bravecto is a chewable tablet for dogs, and comes in topical form for cats. One dose must be given once every 3 months (so 4 times a year) to protect your pet against fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. Bravecto for cats also offers protection against heartworms.
Be sure to call us at (210) 659-0345 for more information about our parasite preventatives.
