Internal Parasite Control

We have relatively few problems with internal parasites as compared with the rest of the country because of our lovely weather in the summer. It gets hot enough to kill man and beast and it does when it comes to roundworms, hookworms, and other types of worms. Pets can still get tapeworms because they get these from eating a flea containing the intermediate host. We also have occasional problems with protozoal parasites like coccidia and giardia. Different kinds of internal parasites require different kinds of dewormers. We always recommend checking puppies and kittens for worms by examining a specially treated stool sample under the microscope. Yearly fecal exams are a good idea. We will recommend a stool exam for all pets with diarrhea so just plan on bringing one with you if your dog is going to be examined and has diarrhea. We don't have much heartworm disease here but if you travel with your dog anywhere eg. Phoenix or San Diego then  heartworm preventive is recommended. There are several different types of preventives available including Heartgard monthly pills and chewable tablets, and TriHeart tablets which are about two thirds less than  as Heartgard. Puppies 5 months or less can be started without testing for heartworm. Older puppies or dogs that are more than 2 weeks overdue will need to be tested prior to taking the preventative.