Parasite Prevention

It’s that time of year again! As much as we all enjoy the warmer days, we’re not the only ones! Any time the temperature is over 4˚C outside the ticks and fleas will come out (even if there is snow on the ground). We’re starting to notice that even in November, December and January there have been warmer days, so treating your pet year round would be ideal.

Lyme disease is becoming more of a risk in all areas of Nova Scotia. It is the result of a deer tick attaching and transmitting a certain type of bacteria which can cause the animal to become very ill. Using tick prevention monthly and getting your pet vaccinated with the Lyme vaccine will help prevent this from happening. If you find a tick attached to your pet, please contact your veterinarian to discuss how to properly remove it. We can identify the tick to determine if it is a Lyme transmitter. If it is, we will suggest doing a 4Dx test 4 – 6 weeks after the exposure. It is a quick blood test that detects if your pet has been exposed to 3 tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, and it tests for heartworm.

Internal parasites can be found all year as well. Even if you don’t see it, they’re around! Treating your pet monthly or even every second month is highly recommended. Another great thing you can do is collect your pet’s feces and bring it in for analysis. That will test for any internal parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm, heartworm, whipworm or hookworm. We suggest doing a fecal every 6 – 12 months.

There are many great products that will treat against fleas, ticks and parasites. You have an option between topical treatments or tablets. Speak with your veterinarian to find out which one best suits your pet’s lifestyle.

Frequently used products:

Bravecto – chewable tablet that lasts 3 months and covers both fleas and ticks.
Nexgard – chewable monthly tablet that covers fleas and ticks.
Revolution – topical monthly treatment that covers fleas, internal parasites and ear mites.
Advantix – topical monthly treatment that covers ticks and fleas.
Advantage Multi – topical monthly treatment that covers internal parasites, fleas and ear mites.
Sentinel – monthly tablet that covers fleas and internal parasites.
Interceptor – monthly tablet that covers all internal parasites.
Milbemax – monthly tablet that covers internal parasites in cats.

Written by Alicia Dunbar