Parasite Prevention
Heartworm Test
Laboratory test performed on a sample of blood to detect the presence of heartworms. Heartworms are transmitted by infected mosquitoes & they live in the bloodstream, lungs & heart of infected pets. Heartworms can be fatal but are 100% preventable. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended year-round. Annual heartworm testing is required for purchase of heartworm prevention.
Deworming
The best way to protect your pet & your family is by prevention. A dewormer helps protect dogs & cats from two of the most common parasites – roundworms & hookworms – & is recommended by the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Roundworms & hookworms are zoonotic which means they can also be transmitted to humans. Puppies & kittens should receive a dewormer at each puppy/kitten visit. Adult pets should have a dewormer at least once a year, more frequently if parasites have been identified. Yearly deworming is a requirement to use our Boarding Services, giving you peace of mind that our boarding environment is as parasite-free as possible.
Fecal Examination or Intestinal Parasite Screen or “stool exam”
Laboratory test performed on a sample of fresh feces (within 12 hours) to detect the presence of intestinal parasites, commonly referred to as “worms.” Ninety-five percent of puppies & kittens are born with or receive from their mothers, some sort of parasite. Without testing, the proper identification & treatment are not possible. One worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs each day which are then passed through the pet’s feces & spread throughout their environment. Pets are always at risk of picking up parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, Giardia & tapeworms, which can all be identified using this test. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends two to four fecal exams every year. We require a yearly fecal examination, more frequently if a parasite has been identified. A yearly fecal exam is a requirement to use our Boarding Services, giving you peace of mind that our boarding environment is as parasite-free as possible.
Start Your Pet’s Treatment
Prevention is always the best treatment! We carry many different types of flea, tick and heartworm preventive and your Animal Hospital at Auburn Hills veterinarian can help you choose which one is right for your pet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 316-729-7400.
