Internal Parasite Control in Sarasota, FL
It is very important to utilize preventative techniques for parasite control. Many common parasites are present in Sarasota, FL. Our veterinarians at Bay Road Animal Hospital recommend monthly medications to keep these pests away from your pets. These parasites can wreak havoc on your pet's health and even lead to death if left untreated.
Common Internal Parasites for Pets
Internal parasite control is very important in Sarasota. These parasites can affect both dogs and cats.
- Heartworms
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
Internal Parasites Can Harm Your Pet
The effects these common parasites have on your pet depends on the type of parasite. If your pet has an internal parasite, it can often be seen in poop or vomit. Carried by mosquitoes, heartworms can cause heart disease and lead to death if untreated. Hookworms generally come from a mother's milk or contaminated water. Quick treatment is necessary to prevent death. Symptoms may include poor appetite, dark stools, and pale linings of the ears, nostrils, and lips.
Roundworms are very common and can be acquired from a mother's milk or another animal's poop. Symptoms include potbelly, diarrhea, weakness, and weight-loss. Tapeworms are most often transmitted by fleas, birds, rabbits, or rodents. Scooting is a symptom of tapeworms as well as weight-loss. Whipworms are also very common and may cause weight-loss, bloody stools, and anemia.
How are Internal Parasites Treated by a Veterinarian?
If one of our veterinarians finds that your pet has an internal parasite, the condition will be treated with an anti-worm medication. Our veterinarian will also recommend starting your pet on a preventative medication. It is far easier on your pet and on your pocketbook to use preventative medications instead of waiting for an infestation to occur to seek treatment.
Our veterinarian can help you make the best decision about the right preventative medication for your pet. In addition to using one of these products, we recommend that we check your pet's blood each year for microscopic evidence of parasites. This can be done during your pet's annual exam and is the best way to catch these parasites early. Here is a list of the products we most often recommend for internal parasite prevention:
- Heartgard
- Revolution
- Trifexis
Parasite Prevention in Sarasota, FL
If you are new to the area or a new pet owner, contact Bay Road Animal Hospital today to schedule a checkup with one of our veterinarians. A pet wellness exam is a great time to discuss this parasite prevention for your furry friend. Call our Bay Road and Osprey office at (941) 366-2275 or our Honore and 17th office at (941) 378-1236.
