Seasonal Preventive Treatments: Fleas and Ticks in Massachusetts
As winter fades and the temperature rises, it is a good time to make sure your pet is protected against parasites. While parasites can impact your pet throughout the year, spring and summer are definitely the most important when it comes to preventive care. Studies show that the emergence of additional parasites during warmer weather can pose serious risks to dogs – and cats. Fleas and ticks can spread disease and cause issues for you and your family, in addition to itching and worrying about your pet’s health. Getting your pet on preventative medication for parasites at a reputable Dartmouth veterinary clinic is one of the greatest seasonal pet advice in Massachusetts and Rhode Island at this time of year.
Vet Care for Cats and Dogs
Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth has been serving pet owners in the South Coast area with high-caliber veterinarian care for almost 50 years. Preventive treatments, such as parasite prevention for dogs, immunizations, and yearly checkups, allow us to catch minor problems before they progress into major or even life-threatening ones, therefore we strongly recommend them. You may increase the odds of giving your pet a long and healthy life by taking preventative measures against potential threats, such as the fleas and ticks found in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and bunnies need ongoing care to ensure their health and safety. You can trust our team to give your pet the care it need at whatever life stage you find yourself in throughout the year.
When our dogs are infected with internal or external parasites, not only are they at danger for health problems, but so are ourselves and our families. It will be much simpler to keep these dangers from harming your pet or entering your house if you have a thorough understanding of how, when, and where they occur. At each wellness exam and any time your pet is ill, we strongly advise you to bring in a stool sample for testing. All of our samples are sent to a third-party lab for analysis. Coccidia, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms are all checked for in canine patients, and coccidia, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and toxoplasmosis testing is performed on feline patients. A visual check will reveal fleas and ticks, and preventative products tailored to your pet’s environment and activity level can help you get rid of them.
Growing Concerns for Heartworm
Although canines are more commonly associated with the threat of heartworm illness, cats are also at danger. Mosquitoes, which spread heartworm illness, become more common now and throughout the summer. The prevalence of heartworm in the United States, especially New England, is relatively high. Here on the South Coast, the dangers facing dogs have increased dramatically over the past few years. The good news is that if you give your pet heartworm protection year-round and get it tested for exposure once a year, you may avoid this disease entirely. This is important for pets living indoors as well as outside. To learn more about preventative treatments for your dog or cat, consult with your preferred South Coast veterinarian.
Taking preventative measures at home is just as important as giving your dogs medication to stave against common internal and external parasites in the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island area. It’s important to always pick up dog waste, whether you’re at home or in a dog park, and to keep wildlife and neighborhood animals out of backyard sandboxes and other play spaces by covering them up and inspecting them often. While gardening in potting soil or loam, or when preparing raw meat, gloves are recommended. Avoid going barefoot outside as much as possible, and keep an eye out for fleas and ticks on your pets and loved ones frequently. If you want to protect your dogs and house from parasites, don’t let them drink from puddles, ponds, or stagnant water, and see your vet for more advice. You may reach Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth at 508-996-3731 or make use of our convenient online appointment scheduling capabilities.