The well-being of our animals is a top priority, and one crucial aspect of their health care revolves around preventing common but potentially dangerous parasites: fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms. Understanding the significance of preventive measures is essential to ensuring a long and healthy life for your beloved furry friends.
At Critter Care, we can recommend the most suitable preventive products tailored to your pets' specific needs and health conditions and your lifestyle.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. It is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, which transmits heartworm larvae to your pet.
Why Heartworm Prevention Matters:
Lifesaving: Heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated. Prevention is the safest and most effective way to protect your pets from this potentially deadly condition.
Cost-Effective: Preventing heartworms is more cost-effective than treating the disease, which can be expensive and emotionally taxing for both you and your pet.
Ease of Administration: Heartworm preventatives come in various forms, such as chewable tablets, topical treatments, and injectables. Administering these preventatives is typically straightforward and convenient. Injectables are administered by our veterinary technicians.
Year-Round Protection: Many heartworm preventatives also provide protection against other internal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, offering comprehensive protection.
Consistency Is Key: Heartworm preventatives must be administered consistently to ensure your pet's continued protection. Skipping doses or seasonal lapses can put your pet at risk.
Ticks pose a significant threat to both dogs and cats, and understanding their potential dangers is essential for responsible pet ownership.
In the Southern US, flea infestations are a troublesome and sometimes harmful concern for both dogs and cats all year round.
Disease Prevention: Fleas and ticks can transmit various diseases to your pets. For example, ticks can transmit Lyme disease, while fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations.
Itch Relief: Flea infestations can lead to intense itching and discomfort, causing your pet to scratch incessantly. This can result in skin infections and hair loss.
Household Infestation: Fleas, in particular, reproduce rapidly. A small infestation on your pet can quickly become a major infestation in your home, requiring extensive and costly measures to eradicate.
Allergic Reactions: Many pets are allergic to flea saliva, which can lead to severe allergic reactions and skin problems. Prevention is key to avoiding these complications.
Peace of Mind: Preventing fleas and ticks offers peace of mind for you and your pet. You can enjoy a happier, healthier, and more comfortable coexistence.
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters:
In order to purchase flea preventative, Critter Care requires an annual exam.
An annual heartworm test, in addition to the annual exam, is required to purchase heartworm preventative.