Preventive Care for Fleas, Ticks, Heartworms & Parasites!
South Des Moines Veterinary Center provides comprehensive veterinary care and we are committed to ongoing education. Flea, tick, heartworm, and parasite prevention is an important part of taking care of your pet’s health.
Your pet’s wellness exam includes an internal and external parasite check. If an infestation is identified, we offer a variety of flea and tick treatments. Additionally, we have a selection of effective preventive products available for pick up at our pharmacy. There are various products and delivery methods, and we are pleased to help you select the one that is best for you and your pet.
Fleas and ticks can infect your home and bite your family as well as your pets. These insects feed on blood and can cause a variety of health problems including allergic reactions, infections, or serious tick-borne illnesses. Please continue flea and tick prevention year-round to maximize the protection.
Signs of Flea Infestation
The warning signs of a flea infestation include:
- Flea droppings (dark specks) in the fur
- Flea eggs (white specks) in the fur
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Scabs or hot spots on the skin
- Crying out or anxious behavior
Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases
Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis cause similar symptoms in dogs, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint swelling or pain
Heartworms & Other Internal Parasites
Heartworms and other internal parasites can cause severe health problems in your pet. A blood test and a fecal exam are required to diagnose internal parasites. They can be transmitted from one pet to another indirectly via the mosquito for heartworms, directly from pet to pet for fleas, and multiple ways for various intestinal parasites. Following a strict parasite treatment plan offers the maximum protection for your pet and your family.
Please contact us if you notice any of the warning signs your pet may need flea, tick or parasite health care.