Guard Your Pets Against Contagious Diseases and Parasites

by Dr. Kenneth Trippett, West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

It was Ben Franklin who said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is rarely more true then when dealing with parasites and parasitic diseases in our pets.

As the weather warms, the biting insects return. This represents a dangerous problem for all dogs. A single mosquito bite can cause Heartworm infection in any dog. Heartworm is almost always fatal without treatment and the treatment is very expensive. Luckily, Heartworm Disease is easily prevented. All dogs should be heartworm tested and started on a once per month heartworm preventive pill. These pills are very safe for most dogs, and will also help prevent intestinal parasites as well.

Cats share some of these risks as well. Even indoor cats can get intestinal parasites because some are spread by fleas, or can be brought into the house by other animals, insects, or even on the bottom of your shoes.

For these reasons, we encourage all responsible pet owner to have a stool sample checked at least once per year. All dogs should also be checked for heartworm and kept on heartworm preventative year round. Remember, not only is an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure, it can also save your pet' life!