Pet Parasite Testing and Control
At Knox Pet Clinic in Galesburg, IL, we stress protecting your pets against parasites year-round to keep them comfortable and free of illness.
Importance of Pet Parasite Testing and Control
Parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and roundworms can cause significant health problems in pets. These parasites can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and general malaise. Some parasites can even be transmitted to humans, posing a health risk to your entire household. Regular testing and prevention are essential to keep these parasites at bay and maintain your pet’s overall health.
Benefits of Pet Parasite Testing and Control
Protecting your pet from parasites is essential for their health and well-being. Here are some key benefits of regular testing and preventive measures:
- Quick and Accurate Testing: Our in-house laboratory ensures prompt detection and treatment of intestinal parasites.
- Comprehensive Heartworm Testing: The 4dx test requires just three drops of blood to check for heartworms, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses.
- Year-Round Heartworm Prevention: Protect your pet from the severe and potentially fatal heartworm disease with customized prevention plans.
- Effective Flea Control: Tailored prevention strategies keep fleas at bay year-round, even in mild winters.
Comprehensive Parasite Control Services
Knox Pet Clinic offers a full range of services to keep your pets protected from parasites. Our goal is to provide effective and convenient solutions to maintain your pet’s health.
Common Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are a common issue among pets. Regular testing helps detect these parasites early, allowing for prompt treatment. Our in-house laboratory makes checking for intestinal parasites quick and easy.
- Tick-Borne Diseases and Heartworm Testing: Ticks and mosquitoes are more than just pests; they can transmit serious diseases to your pets. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, while mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. At Knox Pet Clinic, we recommend annual testing for heartworms using the 4dx test. This test requires only three drops of blood and checks for heartworms, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses. Early detection through testing is crucial for effective treatment and management.
- Heartworm Prevention: Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of infected pets. It is essential to keep your pet on year-round heartworm prevention to protect them from this disease. Our staff can help you choose the right prevention method based on your pet’s breed, age, size, and lifestyle. Regular prevention is the best way to ensure your pet remains heartworm-free.
- Flea Prevention and Control: Fleas are not only a nuisance but also pose significant health risks to pets. They can cause itching, allergic reactions, and transmit diseases. Flea infestations can be challenging to eliminate once established, making prevention critical. Fleas can become active at temperatures as low as 40 degrees, so year-round prevention is necessary, even during mild winters. Our team can recommend the best flea prevention products tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
When to Seek Parasite Testing and Control
It’s essential to incorporate regular parasite testing into your pet’s healthcare routine. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or changes in appetite can indicate a parasite infection. If your pet shows any of these signs, schedule an appointment for testing immediately. Regular check-ups and preventive measures are crucial in keeping your pet healthy.