Parasite Prevention For Pets

Keeping Your Pet Safe Year-Round

Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are more than a nuisance—they can also damage your pet’s health. At Lansdowne Animal Hospital in Leesburg, VA, we understand that parasite protection is a year-round priority for local pet owners. Our clients in Ashburn, Loudoun, Lansdowne, Belmont, Sterling, and surrounding areas trust us to provide proactive care that keeps pets safe from preventable diseases. In this blog from an Ashburn, VA vet, we’ll explain why parasite prevention is critical, how to recognize signs of infestation, and what preventive options are available to safeguard your pet.

Why Parasite Prevention Is Critical for Pets

Parasites can cause everything from mild discomfort to life-threatening illnesses in dogs and cats. Common external and internal parasites include:

• Fleas: Cause itching, hair loss, skin infections, and can transmit tapeworms
• Ticks: Carry diseases such as Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis
• Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes and cause fatal heart and lung disease
• Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can affect digestion and nutrient absorption

Preventing these parasites not only protects your pet but also your home and family. Some parasites, like roundworms, are zoonotic and can infect humans. 

How Do Pets Get Parasites?

Parasites are common in both indoor and outdoor environments. Your pet can pick up external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, by walking in the yard, visiting the dog park, or interacting with other animals. Heartworms are spread by mosquito bites, and intestinal parasites can be contracted by ingesting contaminated soil, water, or feces.

Even indoor-only pets are at risk. Fleas can be brought in on shoes or clothing, and mosquitoes can enter through open windows. That’s why year-round protection is so important—regardless of your pet’s lifestyle.

Signs of Parasites in Pets

Recognizing the symptoms of a parasite problem can help you catch issues early. Common signs include:

• Excessive scratching or biting at skin
• Visible fleas, ticks, or flea dirt
• Scooting or dragging rear on the ground
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or visible worms in stool
• Lethargy or coughing (possible sign of heartworms)

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a vet visit immediately. Keep in mind that some of the diseases parasites spread can be zoonotic, so it’s important to be aware of both the risks and warning signs. Flea and tick prevention isn’t just for your pet: it also protects you and your family. Learn more about zoonotic diseases and common parasites from the CDC’s website here.

Flea and Tick Prevention Tips

Our veterinarians recommend using monthly flea and tick preventives all year long. These can be topical, oral, or collars—depending on your pet’s needs and your preferences.

Helpful flea and tick control tips:

• Check your pet for fleas/ticks after time outdoors
• Wash bedding and vacuum floors regularly
• Use year-round preventives approved by your vet
• Treat all pets in the household consistently

Flea and tick infestations can be difficult to eliminate once established, so proactive prevention is essential.

Heartworm Prevention and Testing

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs. It’s especially dangerous because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced.

We recommend:

• Annual heartworm testing
• Monthly heartworm prevention year-round (oral or topical medication)

Dogs are most commonly affected, but cats can also contract heartworms. Heartworm prevention is safer and far less expensive than treatment. Visit the American Heartworm Society for more information on heartworms. Also, be sure to ask your vet about heartworm medication for dogs.

Deworming and Intestinal Parasite Control

Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to intestinal worms and should be dewormed multiple times in their first months. Adult pets should have regular fecal testing and deworming as needed based on lifestyle and risk factors.

Intestinal parasites can impact appetite, energy, and growth—and in severe cases, can be fatal. Keeping your pet on a consistent parasite prevention plan reduces these risks.

Parasite Prevention for Cats

Many cat owners believe indoor cats don’t need parasite protection—but they do! Fleas and mosquitoes easily get indoors, and even a brief escape outdoors can expose cats to ticks or parasites.

Safe and effective parasite preventives are available for cats in both topical and oral forms. We’ll help you select the best options based on your cat’s age, weight, and health. Ask your vet for more pet parasite control tips.

Customized Parasite Prevention Plans

At Lansdowne Animal Hospital, we create personalized parasite prevention plans based on your pet’s risk factors, age, and environment. We’ll consider:

• Travel habits
• Contact with other animals
• Local parasite threats
• Seasonal concerns

Preventive care is a vital part of your pet’s overall wellness plan and we’re here to make it easy and effective. 

Protect Your Pet Year-Round

Parasite prevention isn’t just about avoiding pests—it’s about protecting your pet from disease and discomfort. It’s important to be aware of the seasonal risks as well. Though parasites are more prevalent in summer, we always recommend keeping pets safe all year round. Whether you need help with flea and tick protection, preventative heartworm medication for dogs, or deworming, we’re here to guide you. We’re also happy to offer pet parasite control tips. 

Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the type of pets we see. Let us help you protect your pet from parasites all year long. Call to schedule a visit today and give your pet the gift of comfort and safety.

Make An Appointment At Our Leesburg, VA Pet Hospital

Are you looking for a top-notch Leesburg, VA animal clinic? If you’ve been searching for a reliable “vet near me” or “veterinarian near me” to help with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, you’ve come to the right place.

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.