Parasite Prevention

Proactive Protection for Your Pet

Parasites aren’t just an occasional nuisance. They can affect your pet’s comfort and, in some cases, their overall health. At East & West Animal Hospital, we take a personalized approach to parasite prevention, considering your pet’s lifestyle, environment, health, and potential exposure risks to develop an appropriate prevention plan.

Understanding Parasites

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can affect dogs and cats throughout their lives. Some may cause relatively mild symptoms such as itching or digestive upset, while others can lead to more serious health complications. Regular veterinary care and parasite screening can help us identify potential problems early and keep your pet protected.

Personalized Prevention Plans

There isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all parasite prevention plan. We’ll consider factors such as your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel, outdoor activities, and exposure to other animals when discussing preventive options. Our goal is to help you choose an approach that provides appropriate protection for your individual companion.

Parasite Screening & Treatment

Even pets receiving preventive care can occasionally be exposed to parasites. Routine screenings can help detect infections that may not cause obvious symptoms, while diagnostic testing can help us determine the appropriate treatment when a parasite is suspected or identified.

Depending on the type of parasite and your pet’s needs, treatment may include oral or topical medications and other supportive care.

Common Parasites We See in San Marcos:

• Fleas: Can cause itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions and may transmit other parasites.
• Ticks: Can attach to pets and transmit a variety of potentially serious diseases.
• Heartworms: Spread through mosquito bites and can cause significant disease affecting the heart and lungs.
• Intestinal Parasites: Including roundworms and other worms that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and other health concerns.

Prevention With Perspective

Protecting your pet from parasites is an important part of preventive wellness. We’ll work with you to develop a plan that fits your companion’s individual needs and provides ongoing protection throughout the year.