Despite their small size, it is well-documented that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. In addition to unpleasant itching and bites, fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella – the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans, while ticks can carry and spread Lyme disease. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause lameness, arthritis, as well as heart, kidney, and neurological problems.

Additional parasites dogs and cats may also be at risk for include intestinal parasites, like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. A specific parasite called heartworms can be fatal. Transmitted by mosquitos, heartworms travel through the body and live in your pet’s lungs and heart, causing damage to these organs, and sometimes even death. Although difficult to treat, with routine veterinary exams and preventive care, many of these conditions can be avoided.

Unfortunately, as parasite bites can be difficult to notice, you may not always be able to tell if your pet has been affected. Many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all until the disease is in the later stages. At Archdale Animal Hospital, our veterinary staff can conduct the tests necessary to detect parasites and the diseases they carry. Certain parasites are also transmissible to humans, which can put family members, especially children, at risk. If parasites are found, our doctor can recommend treatment options to reduce symptoms and prevent further spread of the disease.

Choose Our Animal Clinic for Long-Lasting Protection

Often in the form of preventive medicine or puppy vaccinations, our animal clinic offers affordable solutions to help pet owners protect their pets from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. When you visit our animal clinic in Charlotte, NC, our friendly staff will discuss the right parasite prevention and control measures based on your pet’s lifestyle and needs.

In addition to regular parasite testing, our animal clinic staff can also cover some of the most common signs of infection so you can keep an eye on your pet’s condition at home.