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Heartworm and Intestinal Parasite Prevention
The climate of Southwest Missouri means that we see fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites year-round. Our winters are not cold enough to kill off parasites completely. The milder winters also mean higher numbers of parasites than other parts of the country.
| Fleas |
Fleas are small insects, about the size of a sesame seed, that bite your pet to ingest their blood. Their bites as well as their rapid movement causes extreme itchiness. Some pets are allergic to fleas and even one bite can lead to a cascade of skin issues.
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| Ticks |
Ticks are small arachnids, usually about the size of the head of a pin, though they can grow to be much larger. They wait on the tips of plants and in trees for your pets to walk by, then grab on and burrow their head into their skin to ingest their blood. There are many different species of fleas in Southwest Missouri and all can carry tick-borne illnesses such as Ehrlichiosis, Cytauxzoonosis, Lyme Disease, and others that can be dangerous for your pet.
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| Heartworm Disease |
Heartworms are transmitted from an infected host via mosquitos. When a carrier mosquito bites your pet, microfilaria (baby heartworms) are transmitted into your pet's bloodstream where they can grow into foot-long worms that occupy their heart.
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| Intestinal Parasites |
Intestinal parasites are single-celled organisms or worms that occupy your pet's digestive tract. They are most commonly obtained when infected material, such as feces or water, is ingested but some can also be transmitted from a mother animal to her babies through her milk.
The most common intestinal parasites in our area are tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
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Prevention is Key!
While internal and external parasites are generally very easy to treat with modern medications, it's much easier to prevent your pet getting them in the first place! Nixa Animal Hospital carries several different options for prevention to fit all budgets and lifestyles.
PLEASE CONTACT THE CLINIC FOR PRICING INFORMATION
| Simparica Trio |
Heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea, and tick control for dogs. A flavored tablet given orally once a month.
Manufacturer rewards program available for 6 and 12 doses.
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| Bravecto |
Flea and tick control for cats and dogs.
For dogs: a flavored tablet given orally every 90 days.
For cats: a topical medication applied every 90 days.
Instant rebates available for 2 and 4 doses.
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| Sentinel |
Heartworm, intestinal parasite, and flea control for dogs. A flavored tablet given orally once a month.
Instant rebates available for 6 doses and 12 doses.
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| Milbehart |
Heartworm and intestinal parasite control for dogs. A Flavored tablet given once a month.
Mail-in rebates available for 6 doses.
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| Revolution Plus |
Heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea and tick control for cats. A topical medication applied once a month.
Rebates available for 3, 6, and 12 doses.
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| Seresto Collars |
Flea and tick control for dogs and cats. A collar worn for up to 8 months.
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| Proheart 6 |
Heartworm and intestinal parasite control for dogs. An injection given in-clinic every 6 months.
Rebates available for each injection.
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These medications are available by prescription only and can only be prescribed to patients seen within the past year at Nixa Animal Hospital. When you purchase these medications through a licensed veterinarian they come with a 100% guarantee.
For more information on parasite prevalence in our area, visit Pets and Parasites:
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