Parasite Prevention Information from Our Clifton Veterinarians

Your pet is constantly surrounded by tiny unwelcome visitors. External parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can transmit diseases while also irritating your pet's skin, forcing him to scratch until an open wound lets bacteria in. Internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms can commandeer your pet's digestive system and cause fatal illnesses. Here are some smart parasite prevention steps from our Clifton veterinarians that you can take to avoid these issues in your furry friend. If your pet does become affected by parasites, trust Valley Animal Hospital to provide the care you need.

External Parasites

Flea, tick, and mite prevention begins with a pest-free household. Keep your lawn groomed so these pests will not have a place to hide and breed. Vacuum your home upholstery frequently, changing the bag with each cleaning, and keep bedsheets and pillowcases laundered. 

Another crucial step for external parasite prevention is putting your pet on a regimen of ongoing preventative medication. We can prescribe one or more monthly preventatives designed to keep fleas and ticks from infesting your best friend. You should also get into the habit of checking your pet's ears for mites once a month.

Internal Parasites

Preventative medication can help protect your pet against internal parasites as well as external parasites. (This is especially critical for heartworms, which can be very hard to treat once they're present.) Many heartworm preventatives also safeguard against other types of worms, giving your pet comprehensive protection.

If your puppy or kitten is too young to receive preventative medication, you must concentrate on optimizing the cleanliness of his environment. Keep him away from soil or water which might have come into contact with animal feces, a common source of worm infestation. Since pets can actually be born with "inherited" worms, de-worming should be included in your young pet’s wellness routine.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Clifton, NJ for Parasite Prevention

Parasite prevention, both at home and in our veterinary office, is an essential piece of pet wellness puzzle - so don't neglect this form of care. Call 973-509-5225 to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian in Clifton, NJ. Valley Animal Hospital can help you determine a preventative strategy for your pet!