PARASITE PREVENTION
Parasites can pose serious health risks to your pets.
At Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic, we emphasize the importance of prevention and treatment to keep your furry friends safe and healthy.
Intestinal Parasites
Common Types:
Roundworms - Hookworms - Whipworms - Tapeworms
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Regular fecal exams are crucial for early detection.
Prevention and Treatment:
We offer various deworming treatments and preventative measures to protect your pet from these parasites.
External Parasites
Fleas
Fleas are common external parasites that cause itching, skin irritation, and can transmit diseases. Signs of fleas include excessive scratching and visible flea dirt.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Ehrlichia. They attach to your pet's skin, so regular checks are crucial.
Prevention and Treatment:
We offer effective flea and tick preventatives to keep your pet safe, including options like Bravecto and Revolution Plus. These products help protect your pet year-round from these pesky parasites.
Heartworms
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworms are a serious threat, transmitted by mosquitoes and affecting the heart and lungs.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Signs include coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Annual heartworm tests are essential for early detection.
Prevention and Treatment:
We offer a range of preventative products, including:
Heartworm Disease in Cats:
While indoor cats are less likely to get heartworms than outdoor cats, they can still get them if an infected mosquito enters your home. This disease is incurable in cats!
Learn more about heartworm disease in cats here.
Giardia
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a single-celled parasite that thrives in areas where dirt and water mix, such as low spots in yards, potted plants, sprinkler heads, ponds, and streams. It's common for dogs to encounter this parasite at some point, especially puppies with immature immune systems, leading to loose stools and other gastrointestinal issues.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Diagnosis is typically made through a fecal test.
Prevention and Treatment:
Preventing giardia involves avoiding contaminated water and maintaining good hygiene. Treatment usually involves medications like metronidazole and fenbendazole. Recurrent infections are common, especially in large breed puppies, but they typically resolve as the immune system matures. Supportive care includes probiotics like FortiFlora, fiber supplements like Metamucil, and a specialized diet such as Purina ProPlan Gastrointestinal EN
