Parasite PreventionYour pet is an easy target for parasites and small insects. Common parasites like ticks and fleas feed on your pets, potentially infecting them with many dangerous diseases. Discover how these tiny pests can cause big problems.

These bloodsucking insects feed on mammals and lay eggs in their fur. Fleas can transmit harmful parasites like tapeworms and murine typhus, as well as cause dermatitis and anemia. One flea can reproduce nearly 50 times a day, making a flea infestation a substantial threat to your pet’s well-being. Flea infestations often spread throughout your home, living in your carpet and furniture, thus making them tough to eradicate.

Ticks are found lurking in shrubs and tall grass. They attach to your pet as they run past, biting them and feeding on their blood. Although nearly microscopic, ticks represent one of the most substantial dangers to your pet’s health. A single tick bite can carry a host of potentially fatal diseases including Lyme disease, typhus, rocky mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis anaplasmosis.

Although rare, animal-to-human transfer is possible, making the tick hazardous to you and your family. Special care should be made to inspect your pet, and yourself, after any woodland outdoor activities.

Heartworm disease is very serious for pets, as it can result in heart failure, lung disease, and even death. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, which results in worms producing offspring inside your pet. These worms live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of an infected animal. While there is a common thought that heartworm is not necessarily a concern in Alaska, this is a misconception—the number of out-of-state animals here makes it indeed a concern.

Regular application of anti-parasitic medication is a surefire way of keeping your pet free of nasty parasites. Consult with our veterinarian to determine the best parasparasite-controlucts for your pet.

At Chena Veterinary Clinic, our parasite prevention plan includes:

  • Pet examination and testing
  • Parasite-control product consultation with Dr. Rember
  • Access to industry-best medicine and equipment