Parasite Control & Prevention

Year-round parasite prevention is essential to protect your pet from internal & external parasites.

Here at Antigonish Veterinary Clinic, we take your pet’s immunity seriously. Several harmful parasites like heartworm, lungworm, fleas and ticks call Nova Scotia home. In fact, roughly 20% of dogs in Atlantic Canada with chronic coughing have been infected with fox heartworm, according to recent studies by the Canadian Parasitology Expert Panel Guidelines. Although small in size, these creatures can cause serious health problems in your pet. Fortunately, there are several parasite prevention treatments available that can help protect your furry friend. Call us at 902-863-3157 to explore your options.

How can I tell if my pet has worms, fleas or ticks?

Parasites have several symptoms, which can even overlap. In general, if you notice anything out of the ordinary when it comes to your pet’s appearance or behaviour, please call us right away so that we can address the problem as early as possible. For heartworm, coughing, fatigue and weight loss are warning signs. With fleas and ticks, excess licking, scratching, hair loss, bleeding skin are all symptoms of infection.

Do pets need parasite protection in the winter?

Yes! There is a myth that pets can skip parasite medications in the wintertime. In reality, many types of parasites can survive and even reproduce during the colder months. Pets can still get parasites from various indoor places like the groomers, doggy daycare, kennels and even your own home!

Do indoor cats need parasite protection?

Definitely! Even if your pet is exclusively indoors, they can still get parasites, from you, other people, other animals and any objects that you bring into your home. And those living in high-rise apartments are no exception!

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