Finally Spring!
Time for Parasite Prevention
Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitos- Oh My!
Keep your dog and cat companions healthy through simple and safe parasite prevention. Diseases like heartworm and Lyme can cause serious health problems. Intestinal parasites and tick borne illnesses can not only affect your dog and cat, but can affect your family as well.
Ticks and Fleas
Ticks can carry Lyme, Erlichia and Anaplasma to name a few. Erie county has a moderate risk of Lyme disease. 11% of positive Lyme dogs in the US live in New York State. Tick diseases can cause chronic illness including arthritis and kidney problems. Fleas can also carry illness and tapeworms and cause skin problems for dogs and cats.
Mosquito and Heartworm
Heartworm is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Dogs and cats are susceptible. Even indoor cats! One study showed 25% of heartworm positive cats never went outside. Heartworm incidence in New York state is 1-25 cases per clinic that reports to the American Heartworm Society. Heartworm is generally treatable, but prevention is safer, easier and MUCH cheaper!
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are common in dogs and cats, especially without prevention and routine deworming. Dogs can become infected from the backyard or park. Cats who hunt a lot are more at risk. In New York State, 1 out of 12 cats has a roundworm infestation.
Prevention!
Dogs and cats should have fecal samples tested twice yearly for the presence of intestinal parasites. Dogs should be tested annually for heartworm and should be on year round prevention with Heartgard Plus. Heartgard Plus also prevents two common intestinal parasites. For flea and tick prevention, Frontline is an safe and easy topical. Nexgard also prevents ticks and fleas and is available as a chew if you want to avoid topical application. For cats, we recommend Revolution. A an easy one step topical to protect your kitty from fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites.
Amherst Small Animal Hospital
Get 5% off your dog's heartworm test during the month of May when you mention this newsletter! If you're happy with us, please refer a friend! (and if you're not happy with us, please tell us so we can make it right!)
Email: feedback@asah.net
Website: www.asah.net
Location: 2217 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, NY, United States
Phone: (716) 839-1000
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Twitter: @amherstsah