Fleas, Ticks, and Other Common Pet Parasites Seen By Our Brooklyn Veterinarian​

Are you and your pets getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine that comes with the warmer weather? It’s the season of barbecues, hiking, and swimming. Unfortunately, spring and summer are also seasons for parasites that can be dangerous for your pets. Here are some common pet parasites seen by our Brooklyn veterinarian .

• Fleas - We see flea infestations all through the year, but in the spring and summer, these critters tend to multiply, causing all kinds of trouble for dogs and cats. Fleas live, breed, and feed on your pets, making them uncomfortable and itchy. Fleas can also be carriers of other parasites, and they can set up housekeeping in your house - living in rugs, bedding, and vacuum cleaners.
• Heartworms - These dangerous parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm larvae make their way into your pet’s bloodstream through the mosquito bite.The grow to more than a foot long and live in your pet’s major organs. If left untreated, heartworms can cause organ failure and death.
• Ticks - Ticks are prevalent throughout the northeastern United States. They live primarily on mice and deer, but will readily hop aboard dogs and cats, transmitting a myriad of diseases. Lyme disease is probably the most serious, causing joint problems, lameness, and kidney disease.
• Roundworms - Roundworms are commonly found in young puppies and kittens. If left untreated, these critters can cause diarrhea and impede growth. Roundworms can also be transmitted to humans and are especially dangerous to children.
• Hookworms - Hookworms live in an animal’s small intestine, wreaking havoc on their digestive tract. They can cause anemia in both dogs and cats, and can also impair organ function, leading to serious illness or death.
• Tapeworms - Tapeworms are another intestinal parasite found in dogs and cats. It is often transferred to a host through ingested fleas. Tapeworms can grow to be very long, but parts of the worm will break off into segments that will often be seen in your pet’s stool or around the anus.

Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian in Brooklyn Today!

At Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, we focus on prevention first and foremost. Our goal is to keep your pet healthy and happy, and sparing them from serious illness and risk is paramount. Depending on your unique situation, we may recommend oral or topical medications. It’s important that you work with your veterinarian in Brooklyn to create a prevention or treatment plan and then stick with it. Keeping parasites from infecting your pet or your family is your responsibility.

If you haven’t created a prevention plan with Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, please give us a call at  718-623-3999 to set up an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you!