Tick and Heartworm Prevention

Every year we are seeing an increase in the number of ticks on our pets. Ticks can be found traveling on birds, mice, and deer and are responsible for transmitting many diseases to our pets and to us including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause problems with the heart, nervous system, skin, and joints for months, years, or even for life if untreated. Ticks can also infect people with Lyme disease.

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Ticks can become active after the temperature rises above zero, which puts your pet and you at risk even in the winter months. Milliken Animal Clinic recommends your pet be on year round tick prevention medication.

Fleas are annoying parasites that can quickly take over your home. Flea bites can cause your pet to have patchy hair loss and red and painful skin from constant scratching. Fleas may also cause skin allergies and can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms. One flea can lay thousands of eggs in a very short time.

So early prevention is the key. We have flea medication that can prevent or get rid of fleas. Our doctors will help you find the right treatment during an appointment.

Heartworm is a 6 inch worm that lives in the heart and blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life threatening.

Again, early prevention is the key to protect your loved one. Once we determine your dog is currently negative for heartworm (with a small blood sample), we will put him or her on a prevention program.