Pets are extremely susceptible to infestations of parasites. It's important to practice preventative care so that your pet can avoid many of the most common parasites. Your pet needs a pet wellness exam from a veterinarian every year to check for parasites and to make sure that they are treated and prevented. When your pet is due for a health check-up, contact Clanton-Malphus-Hodges Veterinary Hospital & Pet Motel in Thomasville to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Fleas
Fleas are a highly common parasite that many pets get. They can be found even if a pet doesn't go outside. Fleas bites are very allergenic and most pets will have an allergy to this parasite's saliva. This causes the bites to be itchy and swollen. Pets often scratch these bites constantly and have a miserable time. It's important to engage in preventative care to keep these pests away from your pet. There are many medications that a veterinarian can prescribe to keep your pet free from fleas.
Ticks
Ticks can be even worse for pets than fleas. They can transmit potentially fatal diseases to pets through their bites. They stay constantly in contact with a pet's bloodstream. This contact allows various types of bacteria to be transmitted to the pet’s blood. Ticks can give pets diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as Lyme disease and other serious bacterial infections. Many of the same medications against fleas also protect against ticks. These medications are easy for pets to take and can prevent them from getting parasites.
Heartworms
Many pets also develop heartworms. They are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that bite pets. There have long been medications that prevent heartworms. Some of these medications can protect your pet against heartworms as well as fleas and ticks. Heartworms can often be fatal in dogs. They can also greatly affect the health of cats. These worms grow inside a pet and infect its lungs and heart. There are treatments available for dogs who are infected with them, but these are difficult, expensive, and hard on your pet. Preventing heartworms is always the best option.
Visit Our Animal Hospital in Thomasville, GA
When it's time for your pet's pet wellness exam, don't put it off. Your pet needs to be examined and its health assessed. When you need to see a veterinarian in or around Thomasville, schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians at Clanton-Malphus-Hodges Veterinary Hospital & Pet Motel. Call our team today at (229) 226-1914 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
