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Heartworm and Parasite Prevention in Round Rock

Round Rock Animal Hospital offers comprehensive protection against parasites like heartworms, fleas, and intestinal worms. Our team provides targeted parasite prevention and treatment to keep your pet safe, healthy, and parasite-free year-round.
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The Importance of Monthly Parasite Prevention

Because of the health risks to your family and pets, it is important to keep your pet on a year-round parasite prevention program. Our veterinary team helps protect your furry friend from devastating parasites like heartworms, intestinal worms, fleas, and ticks through regular screening, preventive medications, and expert guidance. 

Both ectoparasites (external parasites) and endoparasites (internal parasites) can affect your pet at some point in their life. Ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, are not only a nuisance to your pet but can transmit vector-borne diseases to humans and pets, such as Bartonella (cat scratch disease, transmitted by fleas); Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. Fleas can also cause a severe dermatologic condition for your pet, resulting in very itchy, inflamed skin due to flea allergy dermatitis.

By maintaining a consistent monthly parasite prevention routine, we can ensure your pet stays healthy and parasite-free. We believe that investing in quality parasite prevention is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your pet's long-term health and quality of life.

Internal Parasites in Pets

Your furry friend can be affected by several types of internal parasites that, if left untreated, can cause them serious health complications and discomfort. These parasites typically live in your pet's digestive system or bloodstream, where they feed off your pet's nutrients and can cause extensive damage to vital organs. 

While some parasites may show obvious symptoms, others can go undetected without proper screening, making regular testing and prevention crucial for your pet's well-being.

These are some of the most common internal parasites found in dogs and cats:

Internal Parasites in Dogs

  • Heartworms: These are transmitted through mosquito bites and live in your dog or cat's heart and blood vessels. If untreated, they can cause severe heart and lung damage, leading to heart failure.
  • Roundworms: These are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs, especially in puppies. These can be transmitted to puppies before birth or through the mother's milk, and they can also infect humans. 
  • Hookworms: These small intestinal parasites feed on blood and can cause anemia, weakness, and weight loss. Hookworms are particularly dangerous for puppies and can be fatal if left untreated.
  • Tapeworms: These are typically acquired by ingesting infected fleas or consuming infected animals. Tapeworms appear as small rice-like segments in your dog's stool or around their rear end.
  • Whipworms: Whipworms live in the large intestine and can cause severe inflammation in your dog’s body. Symptoms can include chronic diarrhea and weight loss, and it can be difficult to diagnose as eggs shed intermittently.
  • Giardia: These are microscopic parasites that infect the small intestine, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Giardia is commonly contracted through contaminated water.

Internal Parasites in Cats

  • Heartworms: Heartworms are a serious threat that can cause respiratory issues, coughing, vomiting, and sudden collapse in cats. They are transmitted through mosquito bites, and there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats—making prevention essential.
  • Roundworms: Roundworms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a bloated appearance. Kittens are especially vulnerable, as they can contract them from their mother’s milk.
  • Hookworms: Cats can become infected with hookworms through contaminated soil or by ingesting infected prey.
  • Tapeworms: Tapeworms develop in a cat’s intestines after ingesting infected fleas or rodents. They often cause mild symptoms but may lead to weight loss, digestive upset, and the presence of rice-like segments in the cat’s stool or around the anus.
  • Coccidia: These microscopic parasites infect the intestinal tract, leading to watery diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy, particularly in kittens or cats with weakened immune systems. 
  • Giardia: This parasite can cause intermittent diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. Cats can contract it by drinking contaminated water or ingesting infected fecal matter.
  • Tritrichomonas: This parasite primarily affects young cats, causing chronic diarrhea that may be difficult to treat. It spreads through direct contact with infected feces, making it common in multi-cat environments.

It’s not always possible to monitor everything your pet eats or drinks, but regular deworming treatments and heartworm prevention can protect them from these harmful parasites. 

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Call Us: (512) 255-6232

Common Signs of Internal Parasites in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats share many common signs of internal parasites. While both can be affected by the same parasites, some infections appear differently. Routine veterinary exams and monthly parasite prevention are essential for early detection and treatment.

 
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Shared Symptoms in Dogs and Cats: 

  • Diarrhea  
  • Vomiting  
  • Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite  
  • Lethargy or weakness  
  • Distended abdomen (especially in puppies and kittens)
  • Dull or poor-quality coat 
  • Scooting or excessive licking of the anal area (often due to tapeworms)  
  • Visible worms or worm segments in feces, vomit, or around the anus  
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Signs More Common in Dogs:

  • Coughing  
  • Anemia (pale gums) due to hookworms consuming blood  
  • Increased appetite with weight loss 
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Signs More Common in Cats:

  • Intermittent soft stool or chronic diarrhea
  • Respiratory symptoms like wheezing or labored breathing  
  • Sudden collapse 

 

While both dogs and cats can suffer from many of the same internal parasites, some infections present differently. Routine veterinary exams and parasite prevention are crucial to catching and treating infections early.

Common Signs of External Parasites in Dogs and Cats

External parasites are another concern to be aware of when it comes to your furry friend. Unlike internal parasites, which live inside the body, external parasites reside on your pet’s skin and coat.

These are some of the most common external parasites in dogs and cats and what to watch for:

  • Fleas
  • Ticks
  • Mites (Causing Mange)
  • Lice

If you observe any of these signs in your pet, please contact Round Rock Animal Hospital to speak to a team member:

  • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at skin
  • Changes in coat appearance or texture
  • Visible parasites or eggs in fur
  • Skin inflammation or redness
  • Scabs or hot spots
  • Restless behavior
  • Hair loss or bald patches
  • Ear scratching or head shaking

Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

At Round Rock Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive flea and tick prevention through proven, effective treatment options, including monthly oral tablets, topical treatments, or long-lasting collars. For dogs with existing infestations, we implement fast-acting treatments combined with home and nutrition recommendations to eliminate parasites both on your pet and in your home. 

During regular wellness visits, we'll also assess your dog's parasite prevention program and adjust as needed, ensuring continuous protection for both your pet and family.

Heartworm and Parasite Prevention in Chapel Hill (1)

Heartworm Prevention

While heartworms can be a major concern for dog and cat owners, Round Rock Animal Hospital offers comprehensive services to help safeguard your pet from heartworm disease:

Annual Heartworm Screenings

We recommend yearly screenings for all cats and dogs, regardless of their lifestyle. These screenings allow for early detection, as heartworm disease can be challenging to diagnose in cats due to often subtle or non-specific symptoms. Early detection allows for prompt management and monitoring of the condition.

Monthly Heartworm Prevention

We provide a variety of easy-to-administer monthly preventatives that effectively protect your pet from heartworm disease. Our veterinary team can recommend the most suitable product based on your pet's specific health needs, lifestyle, and risk factors. Consistent use of these preventatives is the most reliable way to safeguard your cat against this potentially fatal disease.

By combining regular screenings with consistent preventative medication, Round Rock Animal Hospital offers a robust defense strategy to keep your companion safe from heartworm disease. We are committed to educating pet owners about the importance of these measures and helping you implement an effective prevention plan tailored to your pet's needs.

How to Help Your Pet At Home

Good parasite prevention doesn't stop at the veterinary clinic. Taking proactive measures at home is essential for creating a safe, healthy environment for your pet and reducing their risk of parasite infection. 

Here are some simple things you can do to help your pet at home:

  • Clean your pet's bedding weekly in hot water
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently, especially in areas where your pet spends time
  • Keep your home clean and dry to prevent flea populations from establishing
  • Promptly clean up any indoor accidents to prevent parasite eggs from spreading
  • Store pet food in sealed containers to prevent pest contamination
  • Pick up waste from your yard daily to prevent soil contamination
  • Keep grass trimmed short to reduce tick habitats
  • Remove standing water from your yard to reduce mosquito breeding areas
  • Avoiding letting your pets eat unwashed raw vegetables or undercooked meats 

Finally, remember to maintain regular veterinary check-ups and stay current with preventive medications. Home prevention works best when combined with professional veterinary care.

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Call Us: (512) 255-6232

Take Action Against Parasites with a Wellness Exam

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Take Action Against Parasites with a Wellness Exam

A proactive approach to your pet’s health starts with a wellness exam. Our veterinarians in Round Rock will create a prevention plan that fits your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors, helping them thrive at every stage of life.

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