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Watching your beloved pet suffer through fleas, ticks, and heartworm is unsettling if you’re a pet parent. That’s why the veterinarians at Clark Animal Care Center emphasize staying proactive about safeguarding your pets from these common parasites. Serving Penfield, NY, and the surrounding areas, these animal doctors know what it takes to ensure long-term health for your furry friends. Below, they share some insights into solutions that can minimize the pain and symptoms associated with fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Veterinarians’ Guide to Heartworm, Flea, & Tick Prevention

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease occurs when baby worms are transmitted to your pet’s bloodstream through a mosquito bite and can be potentially fatal as the worms grow. Although treatment is available to address heartworm disease after diagnosis, it is expensive and not all dogs survive treatment.  Preventative medications are the most effective and least costly course of action.  Unfortunately, there is no way to cure heartworm disease in cats, so prevention is key.

One way to ensure heartworm prevention is to set up yearly wellness appointments with your pet’s veterinarian. The doctor will first run tests to ensure their bloodstream is free of worms and then prescribe heartworm preventative medication.

Fleas & Ticks

VeterinarianFleas and ticks are parasites that reside deep within your pet’s fur and suck on their blood. Veterinarians particularly warn pet owners to be wary of ticks since they can affect animals and humans alike. Some common diseases transmitted by ticks include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichia. To prevent both of these parasites from impacting your furry friend’s health, consult your doctor about the best prevention strategy.  Because ticks thrive in tall grass and weeds, you should regularly mow your lawn throughout the spring and summer months. If your pet is bitten by a flea or tick, seek out medical care as soon as possible.

Having the veterinarians at Clark Animal Care Center by your side is a reassurance that your pet’s health is in the most caring hands. For further information about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and treatments, call the hospital at (585) 377-1160 or visit their website.

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