Parasite Control

External Parasites

At some point in their lives, many pets experience discomfort caused by external parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites on their skin or in their ears. These parasites can be extremely irritating to pets and can cause serious skin problems or even carry disease. Modern medicines make treatment, control and prevention of many external parasites much easier than in the past. We carry a variety of these external parasite treatments and preventatives. 

Internal Parasites

Fecal screening for internal parasites is an effective way to determine if your pet is infected. Just because you don't see any worms in their poop doesn't mean that they aren't infected. Puppies and kittens are more likely to harbor parasites so frequent fecal screenings in the first year of life are important. Annual fecal screenings are also important in older pets as well. Deworming your pet is very important during the first few weeks of life until monthly treatment is initiated to control internal parasites. We offer several different forms of deworming for your pet and your veterinarian can help you decide which is best for your pet. 

Heartworms

Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection that is spread by mosquitoes. If a mosquito bites a heartworm-infected dog, then bites another dog that is unprotected, it can be spread to the unprotected dog. That is why heartworm prevention is so important. Heartworm disease isn't as prevalent in Western Montana as it is in the southern states, however it does exist. Some people keep their dogs on heartworm prevention during the summer months (when mosquitos are present) but it is recommended and encouraged to keep your dog on it year-round. The biggest benefit to keeping your dog on this heartworm prevention every month out of the year, is that they also act as a dewormer for other parasitic infections such as hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Annual heartworm testing is recommended whether your dog is on the prevention year-round or not. Remember, prevention is different than treatment!