Preventing your pet from complications associated with fleas, ticks and heartworms is key to supporting your pet’s healthy growth and development. Heartworms and diseases spread through contact with fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are increasingly dangerouss for your cat or dog, especially in our warm weather climate, and heavily deer-populated community.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Flea, Tick and Heartworm prevention clinic in Kingston open 7 days a week.
Fleas, ticks and heartworms are medical problems that should be treated based on educated medical recommendations.
All about Animal Worm Prevention and Treatment
Why is pet worming important?
Animal worming is important for your pet and your loved one’s health. Roundworm and some types of tapeworm can be passed on to people and may cause disease and even blindness.
What are the most common worms that my cat gets?
Eight various types of common worms can infect your cat. Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common. Both of these types can live in your cat’s bowels, and in small numbers, they are not very harmful. However, in large numbers, they can cause illness and may become mortal.
What are the most communal worms that my can dog gets?
The four most common types of worms in dogs are:
Roundworms
Hookworms
Whipworms
Tapeworms
How do cats contract worms?
Cats may be infected by:
Ingestion (eating) eggs from their environment
From eating an infected transitional host (i.e.: kitten feeding from their mother)
By the larvae in their environment burrowing through the cat’s skin.
All about Animal Worm Prevention and Treatment
How do dogs contract worms?
Dogs pick up worms:
From their mothers
Other pets
Eating slugs or snails
Coming into contact with animal faeces
What are the signs that show my pet has worms?
Weight loss
Extreme diarrhea
Vomiting
Worms present in faeces or vomit or on their bottom
Swollen abdomen
How to stop my cat from getting worms?
These worming drugs are only available from Vet Clinics Kingston and they are far more effective than those available at pet shops and supermarkets.
All about Animal Worm Prevention and Treatment
How to stop my dog from getting worms?
These animal worming drugs are only available from Vet Clinics Kingston and they are far more effective than those available at pet shops and supermarkets.
If you have any problems giving your pet their Animal Worming Prevention and Treatment- we are more than happy to do this for you.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston open 7 days a week. Our veterinarians can give the best animal worm prevention diagnose the parasites affecting the health of your pet.
Experts have said the joint-hottest May on record and an unseasonably wet and humid July has created ideal breeding grounds for fleas, ticks, and worms across our outdoor spaces. Although a recent ‘Canadian monsoon’ in June may have been welcome news to gardeners – bringing much-needed rainfall after a drastic dry spell, – the subsequent humidity and temperature highs have created perfect conditions for some of our most dangerous parasites.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Paracite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Flea and Tick Medication Vet Clinics in Kingston.
Parasite Control Services: How to avoid fleas and ticks in dogs during the summer heatwave
According to experts at the leading vet clinics Kingston, fleas, and ticks prosper best in warm, humid weather. Following the Government’s announcement easing lockdown, the company is warning pet owners to be vigilant over the summer whilst on walks or staycations.
Kingston Animal Hospital research has also identified a spike in demand for people looking to purchase a companion animal whilst in lockdown – with online search volumes for cat and dog adoptions and purchases at all-time highs.
Our Veterinarian experts, says Canada’s increase in potentially inexperienced pet owners, combined with the heat and humidity, has created a perfect storm for parasites coming into contact with us and our furry friends.
Veterinarian experts said: “With the country coming out of lock down, we’ll all be itching to get outdoors to make the most of the summertime. But we think a more unwelcome itch could be making its way onto our pets and into our homes, if we’re not careful whilst out and about”.
Parasite Control Services: How to avoid fleas and ticks in dogs during the summer heatwave
We’ve seen some unusual weather patterns across Canada in recent months, and when you twin this with thousands of potential first-time owners purchasing or adopting a pet in lock down, we could be facing one of the worst flea and tick seasons for years.
Regardless of experience, it’s really important that all pet owners keep on top of animal worm prevention and treatments, and ensure they’re aware of the risks associated with flea, tick, and worm infestations. It can be a nuisance at best, or at worst, life-threatening for you and your pet. Disease in humans, a potentially life-threatening infection, and, as well as being itchy and painful, flea bites can also carry diseases and worms.
Only five percent of a flea’s life cycle takes place in your pet’s fur, with the remainder in your home. As a result, it’s incredibly easy for infestations to spread rapidly in our homes. You can take steps to avoid this, but consistency is key. Your dogs, cats, and your home should be treated with a flea and tick control medication to keep you and them safe from unwanted parasites.
Parasite Control Services: How to avoid fleas and ticks in dogs during the summer heatwave
If you think your pets have a flea problem, these are the top tips from Grah Kingston for remedies throughout flea-season:
Give an instant relief with Clear Flea tablets (available for dogs and cats) that starts killing fleas within 15 minutes and kills 100 percent fleas within 24 hours.
In the meantime, wash your pets’ bedding over 40⁰c, vacuum wherever you can (as well as your car), paying attention to warm, dark, protected areas – a flea’s idea of a perfect home.
Guard against flea-borne worm infestation with de-worming tablets for dogs and cats. Fleas are the number one hosts for worms.
Re-spray the home, if you wish, after a few days, try steaming hard floors and tiles, and don’t forget to move and clean under your furniture.
And if you’re ever worried about your pet’s health or welfare, ensure you take them to see Gardiners Road Animal Hospital.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the paracites affecting the health of your pet.
Dogs and cats can both get fleas and ticks, but they do not have to. Modern methods of flea and tick prevention are extremely effective, and although it requires a little more work, there are equally effective tick and flea treatment options available if your pet already has parasites. The biggest problem is often deciding which of the many products on the market is best for your pet, and our veterinary clinic in Kingston can help you with that.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Cat & Dog Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Dog & Cat Parasite Control Vet Clinics in Kingston.
Flea & Tick Prevention medication with our Kingston Veterinarian
Why Tick and Flea Prevention is So Important
Fleas and ticks both carry diseases, some of which can be spread to human beings. Aside from this, they can make our pets extremely uncomfortable. Once fleas or ticks get into an environment such as your home, it can be challenging to get them out, so it is best to focus on prevention before you have a problem.
Types of Flea and Tick Medication
There are several application methods available for flea and tick medication:
Oral
Topical (spot-on)
Spray
Collar
Oral medications may prevent fleas or fleas and other parasites. However, there are currently no oral medications available for tick prevention.
Topical spot-on medications are widely available and effective. Some only treat fleas, while others treat fleas, ticks, and even heartworm, intestinal worms, and mites. Sprays are less convenient in general but can be useful when dealing with an infestation. Collars are variable in efficacy. Treatment time varies from every day to every few months.
Flea & Tick Prevention medication with our Kingston Veterinarian
Tick and flea medication methods come in both prescription and non-prescription types. It is best to ask our veterinarian which option is ideal for your pet, whether you decide to go with a prescription or OTC product. Dog products must never be used on cats, as cats are sensitive to some chemicals that are not harmful to dogs.
How a Veterinarian Can Help
Because there is a wide array of products available for preventing and treating flea and tick problems, your veterinarian will be an invaluable resource in determining which is best for your pet. When discussing the topic with your veterinarian, ask both which products our veterinarian recommends and why. We can offer you advice based on what we see working or not working well in the Baltimore area, as well as for your specific type of pet.
Pet owners are welcome to visit ourAnimal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the parasites affecting the health of your pet.
Fleas and ticks are a nuisance, but they can also spread diseases, so you want to treat your pet quickly if you see fleas or ticks, but you also want to prevent your pet from an infestation or bite(s). Here is some information about how keeping your pets (and you!) safe from these pests. There are a lot of Animal Worm preventative products available and it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian before starting your pet on such medicines.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Cat & Dog Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Dog & Cat Parasite Control Vet Clinics in Kingston.
Things you can do to prevent fleas and ticks from bothering your pets
Your vet knows your pet’s health status and will be able to help you choose the safest product. Some puppies and kittens are too young to start preventatives. Older pets or those with medical conditions may not tolerate certain products and if they are receiving other medications, some products can interact with those flea and tick medications.
Although fleas and ticks are more of a risk when the weather gets warmer, your vet may recommend (or you may choose to) that you treat your pet with preventative medicine year-round. Some pets who have had a disease or parasite (e.g. tapeworm) transmitted by a flea or tick may benefit from year-round treatment. And, it may set your mind at ease as well, knowing that you are protecting your pet every day!
Once you and your vet have decided what product to use, you want to use the product correctly and follow other simple tips to avoid flea and tick infestations – and catch them quickly if they do occur!
Things you can do to prevent fleas and ticks from bothering your pets
Read the label of the flea and tick Prevention. Always read the label of any product or medicine you give your pet. Flea and tick Medication products are formulated for cats or dogs and administered by weight, so be sure you are using the right product. Remember, cats are not small dogs so don’t give your cat a product meant for a dog even if they meet the weight requirements (and I’ve seen some cats that are as big as small dogs!).
Inspect your pet. If you’ve been outside with your pet, especially in the woods or grassy areas, check them for fleas or ticks once you return home. Some places that ticks like to hide on your pet are between the toes, on the lips, around the eyes, in the ears, and under the tail. Look for fleas in areas where your dog’s coat is thinner, such as on their belly or in the armpits.
Learn how to properly remove an attached tick. The sooner a tick is removed, the less likely that it can transmit illness to your pet. If you are not sure how to do this, your veterinarian can teach you.
Watch for any adverse reactions. While flea and tick Prevention are generally safe, any pet can react to a particular product. Look for excessive scratching, skin redness, and swelling, vomiting, or abnormal behavior. Topical products and collars may be more likely to cause a skin reaction, but oral products can cause reactions too. Again, read that label for what to look for with each product.
Now, I know all you cat people out there are saying: “This sound like advice for dog people. What about my cat?” Well, cats need flea and tick prevention, too! Even if your cat is an indoor cat, you may have other pets (or people!) that go outside, and they can bring these pests home.
Things you can do to prevent fleas and ticks from bothering your pets
Cats are more likely to have fleas, but tick bites are possible and can be more serious since they transmit diseases when they attach to an animal. All the same, rules apply when choosing a preventative for your cat – talk with your veterinarian to choose the best product, read the label so you know how to use it, and look for any adverse reactions such as new itching and scratching, vomiting, and behavior changes.
Unfortunately, you can do all these things and fleas can still get onto your pet and into your home! If you need to treat your pet for fleas, you will need to treat your home too. To get rid of fleas, wash any objects that you can, such as bedding or blankets where your pet has been. Vacuum carpets and furniture and empty the vacuum container afterward. You can also use a “fogger” to treat a whole room in your house, but you won’t be able to use that room for 12 to 14 hours afterward. Again, read the label for instructions.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the parasites affecting the health of your pet.
Dog owners should know about two common intestinal parasites, hookworm and Giardia, that are prevalent in Southwest Minneapolis. Although both are treatable, these parasites can cause important illnesses in pets.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Cat & Dog Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Dog & Cat Parasite Control Vet Clinics in Kingston.
Hookworm
Hookworm disease is a terrible disease for dogs, cats, and humans. It is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from dogs and cats to humans.
Parasite control Service – Parasites causing diarrhea in Minneapolis dogs
Early in the disease, dogs may have no symptoms, but during this time they can be dispersal thousands of hookworm eggs daily in their stool and contaminating the environment. Later in the disease, patients will develop diarrhea and weight loss. Hookworms are voracious bloodsuckers. They attach to the abdominal lining and release an anti-coagulant to stimulate bleeding. Hookworm disease can cause anemia, and puppies that are exposed to hookworm as neonates can become so anemic that they can die.
The primary way hookworm is transmitted is through the stool. Dogs with adult hookworms in their gastrointestinal tract will pass hookworm eggs in the stool. These eggs are not immediately infective. It takes 2–9 days for the eggs to hatch into infective larvae. Contaminated stool left in the environment can mix with the soil and turn it into a source of contamination. These larvae live for many months in the soil, even in winter. Minnesota has its cold weather hookworm that can survive freezing temperatures.
It takes a community effort to help control the spread of hookworm. You can do your part to control this disease by following these tips. Pick up your dog’s stool and throw it away as soon as it is produced. Keep your dog on a monthly parasite preventative, even in the winter. The monthly heartworm preventative you give your dog likely protects against hookworm, but it would be prudent to double-check with your vet.
Parasite control Service – Parasites causing diarrhea in Minneapolis dogs
Keep your dog on a leash to stop him from eating soil that may be contaminated with hookworm larvae. Wear gloves when gardening and shoes when walking outside. It doesn’t take long for microscopic hookworm larvae to penetrate the skin and cause disease. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables. Hookworm can also enter people through accidental digestion of contaminated soil.
Have your veterinarian screen your dog’s stool regularly for parasite eggs, even if he is not showing diarrhea or illness. Early in the disease, dogs are usually asymptomatic and during that time (sometimes months), they can be spreading disease and contaminating their environment. Giardia is a single-celled parasitic virus that infects many types of animals around the world. Humans can become infected as well, but it is rare for canine Giardia to transmit to people.
Organisms are passed into the environment through feces and once outside the body, they turn into hardy, tiny cysts that can endure for months. Once they are ingested by a new host (for example from contaminated water, or a dog licking her feet after walking in the grass) the shell dissolves and every cyst releases two infectious organisms. Once there, they can move around in different parts of the intestines looking for different nutrients.
Parasite control Service – Parasites causing diarrhea in Minneapolis dogs
It takes about five days to two weeks for the Giardia to be passed out into the stool of an infected pet and diarrhea can lead the shedding. Infection is more predominant in places with high dog density, such as dog parks, kennels, and daycare facilities. Symptoms of the infection can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Testing has become more reliable and efficient with the development of a newer test called an Elisa SNAP test. This test takes minutes and can be done while you are at the clinic for the appointment. Because of the erratic shedding habits of the organism, repeat testing is sometimes necessary to detect it.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the parasites affecting the health of your pet.
Spring is in the air! The sun is (somewhat) shining and we all couldn’t be happier to arise from our cold weather hibernation and habits. Now that the temperatures are changing its time to face reality – creepy-crawly season is back and it’s time to get your pet protected!
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Cat & Dog Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Dog & Cat Parasite Control Vet Clinics in Kingston.
Heartworm
Heartworm disease is spread through mosquito. For us in Ontario, this is a concern throughout the summer months and why we use prevention from June through to November. The life cycle of the heartworm begins when a female mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests the microfilariae (consider them the baby heartworms) during a blood meal. The microfilariae grow further for 10 – 30 days in the mosquito’s gut and then enter its mouth parts.
At this stage, they are infectious larvae and can complete their maturation when they enter a dog. The ineffective larvae enter the dog’s body when the mosquito bites a dog. They journey into the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent blood vessels, maturing to adults, mating and reproducing microfilariae within 6 – 7 months.
Parasite control Service in Kingston-Heartworm, fleas & ticks Is your pet protected?
Heartworm Testing
Here at the Usher Animal Hospital, we test all dogs for heartworm disease before starting them on any sort of preventative. As long as compliance has been met giving the medication for the required amount of time (typically June – November), we do not require subsequent testing to be done.
Heartworm testing requires a small blood sample to be taken with one of our technicians. The sample is sent out to our reference laboratory and results are reported by the next day. Our heartworm tests not only screen for heartworm disease, but we also screen for common tick-borne diseases as well.
Fleas
Fleas can be a year-round issue, depending on where you live. However, in Ontario, the summer tends to be our typical flea season. There are four stages to the flea life cycle:
Flea eggs are whitish and about 0.5 millimetres (mm) (1/32″) in length. They are unlikely to be seen without a magnifying glass. The eggs are primarily laid on the dog’s skin but fall off into the environment to continue their life cycle. Flea eggs establish approximately 50% of the total flea population. Eggs may hatch in as little as 14 to 28 days, depending on environmental circumstances. High humidity and temperature favor rapid hatching.
Parasite control Service in Kingston-Heartworm, fleas & ticks Is your pet protected?
Flea larvae are about 2-5 mm (1/8″ to 1/4″) in length. They have a white body and a blackhead. They dislike cheerful light and move deep into carpet fibers or under furniture, organic debris, grass, branches, leaves, and soil. Flea larvae prefer warm, dark, and moist areas. Outdoors, larval development happens only in shaded, moist areas where flea-infested pets spend a significant amount of time. Our climate-controlled homes offer an ideal environment for the flea larvae to thrive.
The flea pupae produce a defensive silk-like cocoon that is sticky. It rapidly becomes coated with grime and debris, which acts as a useful camouflage. With warmth and humidity, pupae become adult fleas in 5-10 days. The adults do not appear from the cocoon unless stimulated by physical pressure, vibrations, carbon dioxide, or heat. This is important since once fleas emerge from the cocoon they can only happen for a few days unless they can feed.
Pre-emergent adult fleas can live within the cocoon for up to 9 months. During this time, they are resistant to insecticides applied to the environment. This is important to remember because adult fleas may emerge from their pupae into the environment a considerable time after you apply insecticides in your home.
Parasite control Service in Kingston-Heartworm, fleas & ticks Is your pet protected?
Once it emerges, the flea adult, unlike the larvae, is concerned with light and heads to the surface to encounter a passing host to feed upon. Two days after the first blood meal, female fleas begin egg making. In normal conditions the adult female will live up to three weeks, laying approximately 40 eggs per day. The whole life cycle, from egg to adult flea can be completed in as little as 14-28 days depending on environmental situations.
Ticks
Ticks are not only a concern in the four-legged community but for us as humans as well. We are all fully aware of Lyme disease and the health concerns involved.
The tick lifecycle involves four distinct life stages: egg, six-legged larvae, eight-legged nymph, and adult. Females sum from 3,000 to 6,000 eggs on the ground. Adult ticks pursue host animals and after engorgement on blood, they quickly mate. Male ticks typically die after mating with one or more females, although some may continue to live for several months. Females die soon after laying their eggs in protected habitats on the ground.
Parasite control Service in Kingston-Heart worm, fleas & ticks Is your pet protected?
The life cycle needs from as little as 2 months to more than 2 years, depending on the species. After the egg hatches, the tiny larva (sometimes called a “seed tick”) feeds on a suitable host. The larva then develops (“molts”) into the larger nymph. The nymph feeds on a host and then molts into an even larger adult. Male and female adults feed and mate on the host; the female falls to the ground to lay her eggs, continuing the life cycle.
Parasite Prevention
Here at the Usher Animal Hospital, we provide an abundance of heartworm, flea, and tick preventative medications. Which product you choose will all depend on the lifestyle of your pet and their risk factors. Most pets that stay within the City of Toronto use a heartworm and flea combination product as Ticks aren’t as prevalent within the city itself. Pets that travel to northern parts of Ontario and visit cottages will often use a preventative that takes care of heartworm, fleas, and ticks since the prevalence is much higher.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the parasites effecting the health of your pet.
Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, oh my! A recent study found that 33.9% of dogs and 31.8% of cats that came from shelters were positive for an intestinal parasite. Pets that are left untreated for parasites pose a risk to other animals and humans. At Gardiners Road Animal Hospital, we recommend routine deworming and fecal testing for all pets. We saw many dogs and cats come up positive for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and giardia with fecal testing.
At Grah Kingston, we are providing quality Cat & Dog Parasite Control Service. We are known as one of the best Dog & Cat Parasite Control Vet Clinics in Kingston.
An Overview of Parasite Control Services at GRAH
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite seen in cats and dogs. They are long and thin and can resemble spaghetti. Cats and dogs can be infected with roundworms by ingesting eggs that reside in soil, feces, and mice, and other small mammals. Puppies and kittens can also contract roundworms from their mother. Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means they can be passed onto humans. Children are vulnerable to infection as they are more likely to put dirt and other contaminated objects into their mouths.
Hookworms
Hookworm eggs are passed in feces and hatch into larvae that live in the soil. Dogs and cats can be infected by ingestion through grooming or skin or feet contact. Puppies and kittens can be infected by ingesting their mother’s infected milk. Humans can be infected with hookworms through skin contact. It is often due to walking barefoot on a beach. Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal lining and feed on your pet’s blood. It can lead to anemia and can be life-threatening in young pets.
Whipworms
Whipworm infection is uncommon in cats in North America but can be found in up to 10% of dogs in Ontario. Whipworm eggs are hardy, are resistant to extreme temperatures, and can remain in the soil for several years. Dogs become infected by ingesting eggs from their contaminated environment.
An Overview of Parasite Control Services at GRAH
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long flatworms, made up of many segments. Segments look like grains of rice and can be found on your pet’s fur around its hind end. Cats and dogs can be infected with tapeworm by ingesting infected rodents or ingesting fleas during grooming. An emerging tapeworm, Echinococcus, is transmissible to humans and can cause major health issues to dogs and humans. Fortunately, it is still an uncommon parasite in Canada but is becoming more recognized.
Giardia
Dogs and cats can be infected with giardia by contacting contaminating infected feces from other pets that are infected with this single-cell parasite. Transmission from dogs and cats to humans is rare.
What are some signs that my pet has intestinal worms?
Intestinal worms can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea (with or without blood), vomiting, and inappetence. Lethargy and weight loss can occur with heavier infections. If a puppy or kitten has an abundance of intestinal worms, they can often have a pot-bellied appearance. Owners may also see full worms or segments of intestinal worms around their pet’s hind-end or in their fecal matter. Many animals with parasite infections show no symptoms at all.
An Overview of Parasite Control Services at GRAH
How do we treat and prevent intestinal worms?
For dogs, there is deworming medication included in most heartworm prevention products. It means that they will be dewormed every month when receiving their heartworm prevention medication. There are topical and oral deworming medications for your cat. Healthy adult pets should have a fecal test done. Puppies, kittens, and new pets should be tested shortly after adoption. To reduce the possibility of transmission of parasites, it is recommended to pick up your dog’s feces in your yard daily. Thoroughly wash your hands after dealing with your pet’s urine or feces.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Our veterinarians can carry out specific testing to diagnose the parasites effecting the health of your pet.
