Parasite Prevention – There are numerous parasites that can “bug” your dog:
- Fleas & Ticks – We recommend BRAVECTO Flea and Tick Control – the tasty chew that protects for 3 months! **We caution against the use of over-the-counter flea control products, as some have proven to be toxic to some pets.**
- Heartworms – The best defense against heartworm disease is the use of a preventative given monthly. A course of heartworm prevention begins with a blood test to see if the parasite is present. If the dog is parasite free, then preventative medication can be started.
- We recommend TriHeart Plus and Simparica Trio for control of heartworms and other parasites.
- Intestinal Parasites – Intestinal parasites that can infect your dog include whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia and giardia. Some of these will be prevented using one the monthly heartworm preventatives listed above. It is very important to prevent and screen for intestinal parasites, since some are contagious to humans.
Keep your dog under control – Don’t let your dog run loose. Keep him secured in your yard or home. Use a leash when out on a walk and when you take your dog to the vet or groomer. Do not let your pet ride loose in the back of a pickup truck. Make sure he wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped in case he loses his collar..
Training – Behavioral problems are the #1 reason that dogs are surrendered to shelters. Obedience training is very important to help your dog learn what you expect of him.
**We caution against the use of over-the-counter flea control products, as some have proven to be toxic to cats.**
