Taking the time to protect your dog or cat from a parasite problem is an important part of caring for your pet. Contacting Boulevard Veterinary Hospital to meet with our veterinarian is an option available to keep your pet from contracting fleas, ticks, heartworm, or other parasites. Read over the following information about parasites and find out how veterinary care at an animal hospital can help.
Signs of a Parasite Problem
A cat or dog that has a flea problem will scratch at their coat frequently. Part your pet's fur so you can see their skin. If you see small dots of black, or small black insects running through your pet's fur, they most likely have fleas. Ticks look like brown spiders but only have six legs. They will adhere to your pet's skin and drink their blood. When they become engorged, they resemble kernels of corn. Heartworms are not visible as they embed themselves inside a pet's heart and lungs. A pet with a heartworm problem will cough and become lethargic. Pets with roundworm will most likely vomit and the spaghetti-like parasites will be seen in the contents.
Protecting Your Pet from Parasites
The best way to protect your pet from a parasite infestation is to provide it with medication to eliminate problems completely. This can be obtained from our veterinarian and some types may need to be given monthly to keep parasites at bay. At home, keep your lawn trimmed and consider using a pesticide outdoors to keep insects from lingering on your property. Launder your pet's bedding often to remove flea eggs or larvae should it be present. Check your pet often for signs of parasites you can see and be observant so behavioral changes are noticed quickly so treatment can be administered.
How Veterinary Care Can Help
If you believe your pet is suffering from a parasite problem, or if you want to use preventative measures to keep parasites from causing your pet discomfort, make an appointment for veterinary care. Our veterinarian will give your pet a complete checkup and look for signs of parasites during this evaluation. Our veterinarian will discuss ways you can protect your pet against parasites during their well-visit. They will also provide medication for your pet to help protect them in the future. If your pet already has a parasite problem, treatment options will be discussed with you as well.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Give Boulevard Veterinary Hospital call to speak with our veterinarian if you have questions pertaining to parasites. Our animal hospital provides parasite prevention as well as emergency services and comprehensive examinations. Call us today at (757) 461-4416 to find out more about how we can help your pet battle parasites.