Protecting your pet and your family from hidden threats.
Parasites pose serious risks to your pet’s health and comfort, and they can also endanger your family’s well-being. At Montgomery Animal Clinic, Dr. Kathy Haywood, DVM, and her team bring more than 30 years of experience protecting pets across Montgomery County from both internal and external parasites. Our comprehensive parasite control programs are designed to keep your pets healthy, comfortable, and safe year-round.
Parasite control involves the prevention, detection, and treatment of organisms that live on or inside your pet. These parasites can cause disease, discomfort, and long-term health complications if not addressed.
Effective parasite control requires a tailored strategy that may include:
Dr. Haywood develops individualized parasite prevention plans based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel history, and risk factors.
Parasites interfere with nutrient absorption and can make other medications less effective. Controlling parasites allows your pet’s body to function properly, improving both health and treatment outcomes.
Itching, irritation, and intestinal discomfort can lead to stress and behavioral issues. Eliminating parasites helps restore comfort, leading to calmer, happier pets.
Parasites can affect fertility, pregnancy health, and offspring survival. Prevention ensures healthier breeding animals and litters.
Consistent, veterinarian-supervised parasite control helps prevent parasites from developing resistance, keeping treatments effective for years to come.
Parasite-free pets have healthier immune systems, leaving them better equipped to fight off other infections and diseases.
Parasite prevention is one of the most important and cost-effective investments in your pet’s lifelong health. Protecting your companion also reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread to your family.
Call Montgomery Animal Clinic today at (910) 572-3781 to discuss your pet’s parasite prevention needs. Stay informed with seasonal parasite updates and pet care tips by following us on Facebook and Instagram .
Through contaminated soil, water, prey animals, or bites from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Some parasites are passed from mother to offspring.
Most pets should have fecal exams at least twice yearly, with more frequent testing for young, senior, or high-risk pets. Heartworm testing is recommended annually.
Treatment depends on the parasite and may involve oral, topical, or injectable medications. Environmental control and consistent prevention are also essential.
Common signs include worms in stool, scooting, diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat condition, or excessive licking of the rear. However, some infections show no obvious symptoms, making regular exams vital.
Look for vomiting, visible worms, changes in litter box habits, weight loss, or excessive grooming near the rear. Cats often hide illness well, so routine checkups and fecal testing are the most reliable way to detect parasites.
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