Pet Parasite Prevention in Orlando

Parasites are a small but significant problem for our pets. Here in Florida, the warm climate is ideal for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which are active every month of the year. Even if your pet spends most or all of their time inside your home, these pests can still find their way in. In some cases, they can even spread diseases. At 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, we value your pet’s safety, which is why we offer a variety of pet parasite prevention options to keep both dogs and cats protected.

Know Your Enemies

Heartworms

Heartworms are roundworms that live in the heart and lungs of their hosts. Mosquitoes carrying roundworm larvae will pass them on to their host when taking a meal, and in time the larvae will travel through the host’s bloodstream until they reach the major blood vessels and arteries of the heart and lungs. As their numbers grow, they begin to obstruct blood flow to and from the heart. Without treatment, heartworm disease can be fatal. Commit to yearly heartworm tests for your pet to ensure that they are not harboring this terrible disease.

Ticks

Ticks carry all kinds of diseases, but Lyme disease is the most well-known. Lyme disease is actually caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and its symptoms include stiff, inflamed joints, lameness, weakness and lethargy, and fever. Both pets and humans can be affected. Since Lyme disease is slow-acting, symptoms may not show for up to 5 months. In addition to heartworm testing, our hospital also offers to test for multiple tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. We can also vaccinate your pet to increase their protection.

Fleas

Few pests are as annoying as fleas, which, despite their tiny size, can jump great distances between hosts and are virtually indestructible during their pupa stage. Furthermore, some pets can develop an allergy to fleas after they’ve been bitten, ending up with extremely itchy rashes and hot spots. Pets with flea allergy dermatitis will need to seek treatment for their condition, which can result in damaged, infected skin and other problems.

Prevention is the Best Protection

The only way to ensure maximum parasite protection for your pet is to make sure they take their monthly parasite preventives throughout the year. You can ask our team for help by calling (407) 298-3807, or you can stop in during our business hours to refill your pet’s preventives. Stay safe!