Protect Your Pet From Parasites in Mart, Texas
The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.
At Mart Veterinary Clinic, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. But pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.
The cost of prevention is minimal compared to the cost of treatment, which can be expensive and stressful on your pet. Parasites like heartworm can even be fatal, so preventing parasites is of the utmost importance.
Common Parasites We Help Protect Against
- Heartworm — spread by mosquitoes and potentially fatal if untreated
- Fleas — can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and tapeworm infections
- Ticks — can transmit serious diseases to both pets and people
- Intestinal parasites — such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms
Certain risks also change with the seasons, so be sure to check our seasonal alerts page for timely reminders throughout the year.
How We Can Help
Our veterinary team can recommend the right parasite prevention products for your pet based on their age, lifestyle, and health history, and can test for parasites like heartworm right here in our in-house lab. If your pet hasn’t been on a prevention plan or is due for a check, call us at (254) 876-2552 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasite Prevention
Why is parasite prevention so important for my pet?
Parasites like heartworm, fleas, and ticks can cause serious health problems, and some, like heartworm, can be fatal if left untreated. Prevention is far less costly and stressful than treatment.
What parasites should I be most concerned about?
Heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are among the most common and serious parasites affecting pets in our area.
How often should my pet be on parasite prevention?
Most pets benefit from year-round prevention, since risks like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can be present for much of the year in Texas.
Can indoor pets get parasites too?
Yes. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can enter the home, and indoor pets can still be exposed to intestinal parasites, so prevention is recommended for indoor and outdoor pets alike.
How do I know if my pet already has a parasite?
Signs can include scratching, hair loss, weight loss, lethargy, or visible parasites in the fur or stool, but some parasites, like heartworm, may not show obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed. Testing is the best way to know for sure.
Can you test my pet for parasites at your clinic?
Yes, we can test for parasites such as heartworm using our in-house laboratory, so results are often available quickly.