Parasite Prevention and Education

Parasite Prevention and Education in Pacific Grove, CA

There was a time when parasites like fleas, ticks, and roundworms were considered mostly a nuisance. Now we know that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. At Pacific Grove Animal Hospital, we help you find, treat, and prevent parasites to protect your pet and your family.

Understanding the Risks of Parasites

Ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella, the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans. Heartworms, another type of parasite, are transmitted by mosquitoes. They live in your pet’s heart and lungs, damaging these organs and sometimes causing death.

Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, also threaten pets, and some can even be passed to people. That’s why preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members.

What to Expect at a Parasite Check

You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites, so our team takes a careful look and recommends the right next steps.

A Hands-On Examination

We examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are only the size of a pinhead, so they are easy to miss at home.

Testing

We can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites, including heartworm testing and checks for intestinal parasites.

Prevention Recommendations

Our team can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites, based on your pet’s needs.

Education for Your Household

We’re happy to answer your questions about how parasites spread and how to help keep them away from your pets and family.

Why Parasite Prevention Matters

Protecting Your Pet’s Health

Parasites can cause serious illness, and some, like heartworms, can damage vital organs. Prevention is far easier on your pet than treating an established problem.

Catching Hidden Infections

Many pets with intestinal parasites don’t show any signs of illness at all. Regular checks help find parasites your pet can’t tell you about.

Keeping Your Family Safe

Some parasites can be passed from pets to people. Keeping your pet parasite-free helps protect children and other family members, too.

Signs Your Pet May Have Parasites

• Frequent scratching, biting, or licking at the skin
• Flea dirt (small dark specks) in the fur
• A tick attached to the skin
• Diarrhea or changes in the stool
• Scooting or irritation around the rear end
• Weight loss or a dull coat

Keep in mind that many infected pets show no signs, so a lack of symptoms doesn’t always mean your pet is parasite-free.

Practice Highlights

• In-House Diagnostic Laboratory for parasite testing
• AAHA Accredited animal hospital
• Care for Cats, Dogs, and Exotics
• Voted Best Vet in Monterey County by Monterey Weekly six years in a row