Parasite Prevention

Fleas can cause problems for pets ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don’t just stay on pets; they can bite people, too. For more information, Contact Us or see our articles: Flea Control in Cats and Flea Control in Dogs.

Our veterinarians and technicians can help you prevent parasitic infestations in your home or help you get rid of them if they’ve already found their way inside. Call us to find out how to eliminate and control fleas or to start your pet on a preventive today.

Unfortunately, we live in an area (as wonderful as it is) where our pets are susceptible to heartworm infection. Heartworm is spread through mosquitos bites and if contracted, can lead to all sorts of serious health problems.

Fortunately, Wayland Animal Clinic has had enormous success making it easy for our clients to keep their pets safe from heartworm through annual testing, client education, and administering monthly heartworm preventatives. Most heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Our veterinarians will talk with you and recommend the regimen of prevention that is just right for your family and your pet.

Unfortunately, ticks are a fact of life in Wayland and the Metrowest area. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.

The best method for keeping ticks off your pet is by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and highly effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Our veterinarians will let you know which preventative is right for your pet.

Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is using a preventative. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide easily under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have.