Our prevention plans for dog parasites stop infestations before they start, sparing your companion from discomfort and serious illness. In the warm Texas climate, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes stay active for much of the year, so year-round protection is key. We also recommend annual screenings to confirm your pup’s plan is working.
Parasites That Can “Bug” Your Dog
- Fleas and ticks: We recommend BRAVECTO Flea and Tick Control, a tasty chew that protects for up to three months. We caution against over-the-counter flea products, as some have proven toxic to pets.
- Heartworms: The best defense against heartworm disease is a monthly preventive. Before starting, we run a blood test to make sure your dog isn’t already infected. We recommend TriHeart Plus and Simparica Trio for heartworm and other parasite control.
- Intestinal parasites: These include whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia. Some of the monthly heartworm preventives above also protect against several of them. Regular prevention and screening matter, since some intestinal parasites 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.**