The Importance of Parasite Prevention in Fort Myers

If you are a pet owner, you likely already know that protecting your pet from parasites is important. You may not realize just how essential it is, though. In honor of National Heartworm Awareness Month and Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, we’d like to take some time to discuss heartworm, ticks, and other internal and external parasites and why you need to protect your pet from them. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of parasite prevention in Fort Myers from the veterinarians at Colonial Animal Hospital. 

Common Parasites in Cats and Dogs

While there are many different types of parasites, they are divided into just two broad categories: External and internal. External parasites include nasty critters like fleas and ticks. In addition to making pets miserably itchy, fleas can cause allergic reactions, hair loss, anemia, and skin infections. And ticks carry several potentially devastating diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. 

Heartworm is an internal parasite that lives in the heart and lungs and negatively impacts’ pets health. Intestinal parasites, often called “worms,” include tapeworm, hookworm, and roundworm. They reside in your pet’s digestive system and can cause weight loss, anemia, and digestive upset. Because nearly all puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites, they need to be dewormed several times in their first few months of life. 

Parasite Prevention in Fort Myers

At Colonial Animal Hospital, we provide parasite prevention in Fort Myers as well as parasite testing and treatment services. We supply high-quality products that you can only get from a veterinarian and are much safer and more effective than over-the-counter products. As skilled veterinarians, we can also make product recommendations based on your pet’s breed, age, and other unique characteristics. 

Don’t let your pet suffer from parasites. Let us help them enjoy a healthier, happier, and more comfortable life. For parasite prevention in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas, please give us a call today.