Heartworm and Parasite Prevention at Home

Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can cause serious skin conditions and they all carry diseases that can cause serious health issues and/or harm to your dog and cat. Protecting your pet against parasites is critical; fortunately, flea, tick and heartworm prevention is possible. In many situations, all it takes to protect your pet from parasites is doing a few things in and around your home. Along with routine visits to your Gresham or Troutdale veterinarian, here are a few tips for things for parasite prevention you can do at home.

Heartworm Prevention and Treatment

Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that are transmitted to your pet through the bite of an infected mosquito. The adult reproductive stage of the heartworm life cycle occurs primarily in the pulmonary artery of your pet (where it can live for several years).  If left untreated, heartworm infections can be potentially fatal for your pet. The best defense against heartworm disease is the use of chewable medication treatments provided by your veterinarian.  Although you cannot completely prevent your pet from being bit by a mosquito, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk, such as keeping your lawn clear from any standing water and make sure screens are in good condition to prevent entry into the home.

Flea Treatment and Prevention

It is important to routinely check your pet for fleas, especially if they seem to be scratching more than usual or appear nervous. If there are fleas on your pet and/or in your home, it is important to treat all pets in the home, wash your pet’s bedding, blanket and toys in the hottest water possible and treat your home and yard with a veterinarian recommended flea treatment product. Talk to your Troutdale veterinarian about preventative methods.

Tick Treatment and Prevention

The first step is to make your lawn unappealing to ticks by keeping the grass short, minimizing mulch and trimming the bushes. When walking or hiking, avoid tick breeding grounds like brush and tall grass and always keep your pet on a leash to prevent them from running into potential breeding grounds. Ticks carry a variety of life-threatening diseases, so the best treatment is prevention. Visit your veterinarian for suggestions on the best type of preventative for your pet.

Call Our Troutdale Veterinarian to Learn More

For questions, concerns or more information about parasite prevention, contact Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center.