Parasite Control (Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms)
Parasites such as fleas and ticks can be very damaging to your pet’s health. Preventive measures should be taken year-round to inhibit potential outbreaks.
Protecting Animals from Parasites
Parasites can affect companion animals, horses, and livestock in different ways. Internal and external parasites may impact comfort, performance, growth, and overall health. Through routine screening, preventive care, and customized treatment plans, we help protect animals from parasite-related disease throughout every stage of life.
At Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital, we believe prevention is the best defense against parasites. By identifying risks early and implementing year-round preventive measures when appropriate, we can help keep your animals healthy and comfortable.
Why Is Parasite Prevention Important?
Parasites are more than just a nuisance. They can cause discomfort, transmit disease, and lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Some parasites live externally on the skin or coat, while others reside internally and may go unnoticed until they begin affecting an animal's health.
Parasite prevention can help:
Reduce itching and skin irritation
Prevent transmission of disease
Protect the heart, lungs, and other organs
Support overall health and well-being
Reduce the risk of parasite-related illness in both animals and people
Because parasite risks vary among companion animals, horses, and livestock, our veterinarians tailor recommendations based on each animal's individual needs and lifestyle.
Common Parasites
Different species are susceptible to different types of parasites. Dogs and cats are commonly affected by fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites, while horses and livestock may face additional parasite risks that require species-specific prevention and management strategies.
Fleas
Fleas can cause significant itching, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may transmit other parasites and diseases. Because they reproduce quickly, prevention is often much easier than treating an established infestation.
Ticks
Ticks are common in our region and can transmit serious diseases to both animals and people. Routine tick prevention and prompt removal are important components of a comprehensive parasite prevention program.
If you find a tick on your pet and are uncomfortable removing it, our team is happy to assist.
Heartworms
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can affect the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Because infected animals may show few or no signs early in the disease process, regular testing and preventive medication are strongly recommended when appropriate.
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and other intestinal parasites can affect animals of all ages. Routine fecal testing and preventive care help detect and manage these parasites before they cause more serious problems.
How Can I Protect My Animal?
The most effective parasite prevention programs are tailored to the individual animal. Factors such as species, age, lifestyle, environment, travel habits, and overall health all play a role in determining the best preventive approach.
Our veterinarians will work with you to develop a parasite prevention plan that may include:
Routine wellness examinations
Parasite screening and testing
Veterinarian-recommended preventive products
Environmental management recommendations
Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed
Partnering in Preventive Care
Parasite prevention is an important part of maintaining lifelong health. When combined with routine wellness care, proper nutrition, vaccinations, dental care, and early disease detection, preventive parasite control can help animals live healthier, more comfortable lives.
At Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to developing personalized preventive care plans that support the unique needs of every animal we care for.