Our doctors believe in the importance of the prevention of parasites that can infect your pets and cause serious illness. The preventative treatments we prescribe address both internal parasites, such as intestinal worms, and external parasites, such as fleas and ticks. These same parasites can also cause disease in our human families, since we live closely with our pets and frequently share our beds with them.
Pieper Veterinary recommends an annual fecal test to screen for intestinal parasites, and an annual blood test to screen for heartworm and tick diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Fortunately, most parasites and parasite illnesses are easily preventable with safe and effective products and treatable, in many instances, if diagnosed in the early stages. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss parasite preventative options with you, so that you can choose a product that is most suitable for you and your pet’s lifestyle.
In Connecticut, ticks and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are very common. Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not die off in the winter. It’s very important to keep your pet on both flea/tick and heartworm preventatives year-round to prevent parasitic diseases.