Pet Parasite Prevention in Homosassa, FL

Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms can harm your pet and even pose risks to your family, especially small children and immunocompromised individuals. Fortunately, protecting your dog or cat is simple with our expert care and effective parasite prevention options.

If you’re unsure which parasite preventive would be best for your pet, contact us for recommendations.

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(352) 795-7110

Heartworm Disease and Prevention

Heartworms, transmitted by mosquito bites, are potentially life-threatening parasites that target the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels.

In dogs, signs include coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a swollen abdomen. Severe cases may lead to caval syndrome, which can be fatal without prompt surgical intervention.

Though less common, cats can also contract heartworms, leading to heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, vomiting, and rapid breathing. Sudden collapse and death can also occur.

Treatment for heartworm disease is expensive and risky for dogs, and there is no approved treatment for cats. Thankfully, monthly heartworm preventives are highly effective. Many of these preventives also protect against intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks, offering comprehensive coverage.

Flea Prevention

Fleas are more than just an itchy nuisance—they can cause serious health problems for your pet, including:

Severe itching and skin irritation
Allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis)
Transmission of tapeworms and diseases

Fleas don’t stop at pets; they can infest your home and bite people, too. These resilient parasites can live and multiply quickly in your carpets, bedding, and furniture. If your pet already has fleas, we can provide effective treatments to eliminate them. For ongoing protection, we recommend monthly flea preventives tailored to your pet’s needs.

Tick Prevention

Ticks are increasingly widespread and can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in pets can include:

Joint pain or lameness
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Bleeding disorders
Neurological issues

Even indoor pets are at risk because ticks can enter your home on your clothing or shoes. To protect your pet, we recommend administering monthly tick preventives, which are safe and effective at repelling and killing ticks. We also advise performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities, even for pets on prevention.

If you spot a tick on your pet, don’t panic—contact us for guidance on safe removal and prevention tips.

Intestinal Parasite Prevention

Intestinal worms are common in dogs and cats and can be passed to people, especially children, posing public health concerns. These parasites can cause:

Weight loss
Vomiting and diarrhea
A dull coat and general unwellness

Preventing intestinal worms is simple with the right medication. Many heartworm preventives also cover common intestinal parasites, providing comprehensive protection.

Protect Your Pet from Parasites

Preventing parasites is far safer, easier, and more affordable than treating infestations or diseases caused by these pests. Our team will help you choose the best year-round prevention plan for your pet, tailored to their lifestyle and health needs.

Protect your pet and family from harmful parasites. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or pick up preventives to keep your furry friend safe and healthy!