The Importance of Preventative Care: Protecting Your Pet Against Heartworms and Fleas/Ticks

As a pet owner, you are responsible for protecting your furry family members from parasites. If left unchecked, heartworms, ticks, and fleas can cause extreme discomfort and transmit potentially life-threatening illnesses.
 

Parasite control can help ensure your pet is free from harmful pests. Preventative care can help maintain your pet’s health while keeping your entire family safe.
 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Preventing an illness is always better for your pet’s health and comfort. Prevention is also more affordable than treating a disease. You can avoid potentially high treatment costs by ensuring your pet is safe and protected.
 

Numerous preventative solutions are available for heartworms, ticks, and fleas. Your veterinarian can recommend the best options to protect your pet all year round.
 

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is a relatively common problem. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can have severe implications for your pet’s health. Treatment can be costly, averaging more than $2,500 for dogs.
 

Prevention treatment is an effective and affordable option. Schedule annual visits to the vet to have your pet tested for heartworms. The vet will provide heartworm-preventative medication in topicals, chewable pills, and shots.
 

Flea / Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks can transmit potentially fatal illnesses, such as Lyme disease. You should diligently check your pet for ticks, especially after outdoor excursions in wooded or grassy areas.
 

Flea and tick preventatives can help to prevent the transmission of diseases. Your vet can recommend the best preventative treatment for your pet depending on:
 

• The breed.
• Age.
• Size.
• Overall health.

Your vet will consider the prevalence of local parasites and your pet’s lifestyle.
 

Protect Your Pet and Home

Parasites can have a lasting impact on pet health. Fleas can cause severe discomfort and lead to excess scratching, causing injury. If not prevented, heartworms can be fatal to pets. Apart from keeping your pet comfortable and healthy, preventative care can help to protect your home. Ticks can transfer to humans, causing health problems. Preventative care lets you keep your pet and family healthy and safe in your home.
 

Lower Your Treatment Costs

An ailing pet can lead to high treatment costs that can continue throughout the pet’s life. Treating the damage caused by parasites can mean multiple visits to the vet and a huge bill. Preventative care can protect your pets and save you money in the long run.
 

All pets, including indoor ones, need year-round parasite protection, regardless of your location. If you decide to board your pets, you will need to ensure they are protected to avoid spreading infections.
 

Many available preventatives can treat several types of parasites with a single treatment, while some focus on particular parasites. Your veterinarian will prescribe the best treatment for your pet. If your pet tests positive for parasites, it requires immediate treatment to avoid long-term complications.
 

For more on the importance of preventative care, visit Village Veterinary Clinic at our office in Grayslake, Illinois. Call (224) 435-5455 to book an appointment today.
 

https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/why-you-need-stay-current-flea-tick-and-heartworm-protection

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/why-routine-preventative-care-your-pet-essential