5072 Sacandaga Road, Galway, NY 12074 | Mon - Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sat & Sun Closed | Ph: 518-882-1850 | galwayveterinaryhospital@gmail.com

5072 Sacandaga Road, Galway, NY 12074 | Mon - Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sat & Sun Closed | Ph: 518-882-1850 | galwayveterinaryhospital@gmail.com

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem! Warming temperatures mean year-round prevention is key to making sure your pet is protected from these pests and the diseases they may carry. Don’t overlook the problems they can cause: fleas often trigger dermatitis, tapeworm, and hot spots; one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm.

In addition to preventive medications, you should thoroughly check your pets for fleas and ticks on a daily basis if they’ve been outdoors. Although these parasites can be anywhere on your pet’s body, they prefer posting up near the head, ears, neck, and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas if you notice little black specks that resemble pepper or bits of dirt.

Lyme disease from tick bites and heartworm from mosquitoes are on the rise around the country. Lyme disease is transmitted by the deer tick or black-legged tick. Clinical signs may not appear until several months after infection. Cases range from mild to severe.

Heartworm disease has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, making preventative measures so much more important as advanced infection may be fatal. While there is a treatment for dogs, it can be expensive and very hard on your pet.

Granulocytic anaplasmosis is an infection of white blood cells. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted via a bite from and Ixodes tick. Many dogs exposed to granulocytic anaplasmosis do not get obvious signs of the condition. The signs may be vague and include lethargy, lack of appetite, and fever. Some dogs may become lame because their joints are painful.

Prevention is always the best treatment! We know there are many different types of flea, tick, and heartworm preventive and your Galway Veterinary Hospital veterinarian can help you choose which one is right for your pet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 518-882-1850.