Parasite Prevention

Veterinarians examining a cat in Canton, GA

Pet Parasite Prevention in Canton, GA

Our pets are vulnerable to a number of different parasites that can transmit nasty diseases. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can all wreak havoc on our pet’s health without us even noticing. Parasite prevention is extremely important because it not only prevents parasitic diseases, but can keep the bugs from biting in the first place.

The Flea Life Cycle

The life cycle of the flea consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their life cycle can span from two weeks to several months, depending on their environment. Fleas thrive in temperatures ranging between 70 and 85 degrees, and 70 percent humidity. An adult female flea can lay approximately 40 eggs per day. Eggs hatch more quickly in a warm, humid environment, and can develop in two to 14 days.

Larvae make up about 35% percent of the flea population, and spin their cocoons within five to 20 days of hatching. The pupae stage is the final stage of development for fleas. The cocoon provides sufficient protection against unsuitable environmental conditions for months, and the adult flea will emerge when they sense vibrations, warmth/body heat, or increased carbon dioxide levels.

The Tick Life Cycle

Like fleas, ticks have four life stages, but require several hosts to get through these stages, which are egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. Ticks usually breed on their host and then drop onto the ground to lay their eggs. Females can lay thousands of eggs at a time. Soon after, ticks enter the larval stage, and must find a host on which to attach themselves. After finding a host and consuming blood over several days, they drop to the ground once more, shed their skins, and enter the nymph stage. The nymph must wait for a second host on which to feed, then molts and becomes an adult tick.

Intestinal Parasites

Common intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Many puppies and kittens are born with roundworms, while hookworms can be transferred into nursing puppies via their mother’s milk. Tapeworms are transmitted when the dog or cat ingests a flea, or eats a small animal that has been infested. Dog and cat diarrhea, dog and cat weight loss, vomiting, and an overall diminished appearance can be indicators of an intestinal parasite infestation.

Pet Parasite Prevention Options

We offer several parasite prevention options to keep your pet safe and healthy. Our recommended products include:

  • NexGard (fleas and ticks)
  • Heartgard (heartworm and intestinal parasites)
  • ProHeart (injectable, for heartworm and intestinal parasites)
  • Revolution (for cats, protects against all parasites)

*Please note: Nexgard, Heartgard, ProHeart 6, PoHeart 12, and Revolution are prescription medications. A current exam is needed in order to purchase/administer treatment.

It is very important that you purchase your pet’s parasite preventatives directly through your veterinarian. All of our products are fully guaranteed, up-to-date, and stored under the proper conditions. Over-the-counter products may be expired or counterfeit, and can be harmful to your pet.

Owner applying parasite prevention on her dog