Parasite Control (Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms)
Parasites such as fleas and ticks can be very damaging to your pet’s health. Preventive measures should be taken year-round to inhibit potential outbreaks.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks are more than a nuisance; they can carry and transmit diseases that are dangerous to both you and your pet. Although they're a bigger problem at specific times during the year, no cat or dog is completely safe from them. Fortunately, many safe and highly effective parasite prevention products are available. We also offer a Lyme disease vaccination for dogs.
Dr. Barry Lissman, Sachem Animal Hospital and Wellness Center's co-founder, is a clinical authority on both Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, two serious tick-borne diseases in our region. Dr. Lissman was the first veterinarian to identify both illnesses in dogs, has published his findings in many veterinary publications and textbooks, and is an internationally recognized expert on both diseases.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening disease affecting dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats in the Holbrook, NY area. Mosquitoes spread the disease by injecting the parasite into your pet at the time of the bite. Clinical symptoms of heartworm disease develop very slowly. Lack of energy, exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing are early symptoms. Because heartworm disease is increasing in frequency and is a serious and deadly disease, we recommend that your dog be tested annually.
Heartworm disease prevention is simple and effective. For dogs, a once-a-month heartworm preventive can be given as a tasty, chewable treat. This medicine prevents not only heartworms from developing, but also kills and prevents most other types of worms that can infect your dog. Cats are protected by applying a drop of heartworm prevention liquid to the skin once-a-month. We recommend this to prevent heartworm disease as well as fleas, ear mites, and other types of worms that can infect your cat.
If you would like to have your pet tested for heartworm disease, or if you would like additional information on how best to protect your pet from this dangerous parasite, please call Sachem Animal Hospital and Wellness Center today for an appointment.
