Preventive healthcare involves vaccinations, deworming, flea, tick and heartworm prevention as well as routine dental cleanings. As your pet ages, bloodwork and other tests such as x-rays and urinalysis are recommended to ensure no abnormalities are noted.

Deworming:

Puppies and kittens should be dewormed at least twice 2 to 3 weeks apart, as a way to prevent infestation of parasites such as roundworms.

Fecal Exam:

• It is recommended to examine your pet’s feces twice per year.
• Even if dewormer was administered, a fecal examination is also recommended.  There are many different intestinal parasites and not one medication can take care of all types. Not all parasites are visible by eye and not all parasitic infections always cause diarrhea.

West Russell Animal Hospital requires a negative fecal examination within the past 6 months for pets that are boarding with us.

Flea and tick prevention:

All dogs and cats should be on year-round external parasite control. Fleas and ticks can carry diseases that affect humans and animals.  It is easier to prevent a flea infestation than to treat and clear the home environment.

Heartworm prevention:

All cats and dogs should be on year-round heartworm prevention. Heartworm can be life-threatening and once infected the protocol for treatment requires multiple injections and oral medications, with limited activity for several months. Prior to starting preventative medication, a negative heartworm antigen test is required.

Our doctors can develop a parasite prevention program that is individualized to your pet’s needs.