Spring is here and so are the creepy crawlies! Let us help you protect your pets and your family!
Spring Weather!
Dr. Burmeister and the Staff of Livingston Animal Hospital want you to know that it’s “that time of year” again… Spring has (finally!) arrived along with ticks, fleas, heartworm and other unwanted parasites… for more information (including links to graphic parasite videos), visit HERE … But – Be warned – if you have a bug phobia, these may NOT be for you!
Parasites can transmit serious diseases and cause severe long term damage to those affected. Annual parasite prevention measures are critical to the health of your pet and should be included on every Pet owner’s Spring “TO DO” List.
At this point last year we had already had Heartworm positive or Lyme Disease positive pets. This year thanks to everyone’s diligence in protecting their pets with heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives we have not had a positive case yet. With your help we can keep all your pets and your family safe.
Did you know that fleas and ticks are out and active whenever the temperature is above 4 degrees C!
What can Livingston Animal Hospital do to protect your pet?
It is much easier, safer and more cost effective to prevent parasites than it is to treat the diseases they cause. For example, Heartworm prevention for a small dog can cost as little as $48 for 6 months protection but if your pet becomes infected with heartworm, the treatment costs upward of $1,500 and involves multiple hospital trips.
Prevention is easy! There are now several options available that are safe and effective for preventing heartworm, fleas, ticks and stomach worms. Protection can be as simple as giving a tasty, chewable pill or applying a small vial of topical medication once per month. All it takes is a few drops of blood to screen your pet for Heartworm and Lyme disease exposure. We even carry a flea and tick prevention that lasts for 3 months!
Don’t forget that cats also get their own different parasites! Indoor cats included so don’t forget to include them on the spring to do list for parasite prevention. A few various ways that indoor cats can pickup parasite include;
–> worm eggs coming inside on our shoes from outside
–> eating house flies or other insects that make it into our houses
–> other pets in the house that might carry something inside
With the many different parasites out there there are even ones that can be passed on to us! This is why it is of the utmost importance to follow recommended deworming protocols.
Please ensure that your pet is protected and that you are well informed! Call Livingston Animal Hospital at (905) 309-9600 – any of our team will be happy to answer your questions or to book an appointment for your pet.
Click HERE to go to the Parasite Information Section on our website – be warned – graphic parasite videos included!