Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats in Matthews, NC

Routine wellness exams and vaccinations are integral to your pet’s health, but they’re not enough to keep pesky fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes away. We don’t see a lot of hard freezes here in North Carolina, so the risk of exposure for pets is considerable throughout the year. At Caring Hearts Animal Hospital in Matthews, we understand that parasites are more than just pesky bugs that bite and irritate our pets—they can pass on harmful diseases, as well. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to educating our clients about the necessity of parasite prevention for dogs and cats, and how to keep their pets safe and healthy.

Is your pet due for parasite prevention? Call 704-893-2799 or use the online form to book an appointment!

Common Vector-Borne Diseases

Due to our warmer climate, parasites can thrive from one season to the next. Diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are known as “vector-borne.” These diseases include:

  • Heartworm disease (mosquitoes)
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever (American dog ticks)
  • Tick paralysis (ticks)
  • Lyme disease (ticks, becoming more prevalent)
  • Ehrlichiosis (ticks)

The most common conditions that result from flea bites are itching and/or allergic reactions. However, fleas infected with tapeworm can pass that intestinal parasite on to dogs and cats if ingested. Other internal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, and giardia.

Our Parasite Prevention Products

We offer a variety of parasite prevention products to keep cats and dogs protected from vector-borne diseases. Our flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives include:

Dogs

  • Credelio
  • Seresto
  • Interceptor Plus

Cats

  • Advantage Multi
  • Seresto (collar)

Our veterinarian will work with you to discuss your pet’s risk of exposure and other lifestyle factors to determine the most appropriate preventatives. If you have any questions or need to establish a parasite prevention plan for your pet, give us a call at 704-893-2799 or book an appointment online.