When it comes to managing your furry family member's health, we believe prevention is always the best medicine. One of the biggest threats to companion animals is parasites.
Parasites are not only unpleasant, but they can also cause serious, life-threatening medical conditions for your pet and can even be transmitted to human family members.
Our parasite prevention program focuses on continuous year-round defense against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Central Ohio's shifting climate means parasites remain active far longer into the autumn and winter than many pet parents realize. We will help you select the safest, most effective preventive products for your dog or cat.
Why Year-Round Parasite Control is Crucial in Central Ohio
In Galloway and throughout Franklin County, Ohio, parasites are not merely seasonal nuisances—they are dangerous disease vectors. Warmer autumns, mild winters, and abundant wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, squirrels) mean ticks and fleas are active whenever temperatures rise above 40°F.
At Angel Animal Hospital, we advocate for comprehensive 12-month parasite protection to guard against four primary threats:
Annual Heartworm & Fecal Testing Protocols
Even pets on regular preventatives require annual diagnostic testing to verify efficacy and catch infections early:
- Canine 4Dx Plus Heartworm & Tick Screen: An annual blood test that checks for heartworm antigen, Lyme disease antibodies, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia canis in just 10 minutes.
- Microscopic Fecal Centrifugation: We test stool samples annually using zinc sulfate flotation to detect microscopic parasite eggs, giardia cysts, and coccidia oocysts.
Choosing Safe, Veterinary-Grade Preventatives
Over-the-counter flea collars and topical products found at grocery stores often carry higher risks of chemical burns, neurological reactions, or parasite resistance. Dr. Candace Fisher prescribes only clinically proven, highly regulated monthly chewables and topicals such as Simparica Trio, NexGard, Heartgard Plus, and Bravecto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor cats get fleas and heartworms?
Yes! Mosquitoes frequently enter homes through open doors and window screens, and heartworm disease is often fatal in cats with just 1 or 2 adult worms. Fleas can also hitchhike on clothing or dogs entering the house.
Why is heartworm treatment so difficult in dogs once infected?
Treating adult heartworms requires deep intramuscular injections of organic arsenical compounds (melarsomine), strict crate rest for months to prevent pulmonary thromboembolism, and costs thousands of dollars. Prevention costs just pennies a day.