Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Parasite prevention is an integral part of our veterinary practice. Fleas, ticks, worms and mites can attack your pets, spread diseases and cause other discomforts. Talk to your veterinarian about how to protect or treat your pet. There are many options on the market.
How long does it take for a tick to infect my pet?
Transmission is not instantaneous. An infected tick must remain attached for 24 to 48 hours.
After you’ve been in the woods or among tall grass, don’t take any chances—inspect your pet and clothes carefully. If you find a tick, never pull it out with your bare hands, as a piece of the tick could remain embedded in your pet’s skin. Use tweezers or a tool specifically designed for ticks.
Do you test ticks to see if they carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease?
Due to the pandemic, we’re no longer collecting ticks. We encourage you to submit a photo and description of the tick found online or on the eTick (https://www.etick.ca) app to find out which ticks are found in your area.
Can indoor cats catch fleas?
This may seem surprising, but yes. Fleas are parasites that travel inside homes by hiding on shoes, clothing, bags, plants, other visiting animals, etc.