While your family pets are cute and cuddly, they can also carry harmful bugs, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm. When it comes to these pesky critters, there are several methods pet owners can take to reduce or eliminate them from their pets and their homes. The veterinarians at Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA, want to help you keep your pets safe and healthy. Their animal clinic commonly addresses cases of fleas, heartworm, and ticks, and know the best ways to prevent them from developing.

Heartworm is passed from animal to animal by mosquitoes, which can then grow and multiply inside your animal. These pests pose a serious threat to their health, sometimes resulting in death. Since symptoms may be slow to develop, you should have your pet tested regularly to ensure they aren’t infected. Fleas and ticks thrive in the furry comfort of your pet’s coat and feed on their blood. They can cause itching and pain and could potentially result in infection.

To protect your pets from these pests, here are some of the best prevention methods for fleas, ticks, and heartworm:

• Medication: There are numerous medications designed specifically for pets that aid in treating and preventing ticks, fleas, and heartworm. Talk to your veterinarian to find out the different options and select one that will work well with your breed. Heartworm medication can be taken by capsule, topical cream, or injection once a month.
• Bathing: Regular bathing of your pets will help to reduce the number of fleas, ticks, and heartworm found on their coats. During their baths, manually remove any visible fleas or ticks. You can also purchase flea combs that will help catch the bugs you may have missed.
• Housekeeping: When your pets spend time outdoors, they are bound to bring these pests inside and leave them all over the house. You should maintain a regular cleaning routine, especially if you have carpet or cloth furniture, as they can harbor the pesky creatures.

If you think your pet might be suffering from fleas, ticks, or heartworm, seek advice and treatment from your veterinarian. If you are looking for a quality animal clinic in Statesboro that also provides dog boarding, contact the veterinarians at Westside Veterinarian Hospital. More information about their services can be found online or by phone at (912) 489-1998.