Parasite prevention
Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms can make your pet sick, and some spread to people. Our Woodbridge vets help you keep prevention steady all year.
The parasites we see most
Fleas
Fleas cause itching, skin infections, and in small or young pets, blood loss. They also carry tapeworms. A few fleas on your pet usually means many more eggs and larvae in carpets and bedding, which is why a problem can take weeks to clear once it starts. Treating every dog and cat in the home at the same time is the most reliable way to stop an outbreak.
Ticks
Ticks live in tall grass, leaf litter, and wooded edges, including backyards. They can spread Lyme disease and other infections to dogs, and some of those diseases also affect people. Check your dog after walks, especially around the ears, neck, and toes.
Heartworm
Heartworm spreads through mosquito bites. The worms grow in the heart and lungs and can cause lasting damage before you see any signs. Dogs are the main host, but cats can be infected too. Mosquitoes get indoors, so indoor pets are not fully safe. Prevention is far easier and safer than treatment, and dogs need a simple blood test to confirm they are clear before starting or restarting a preventive.
Intestinal worms
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or a dull coat. Some, like roundworms and hookworms, can pass to people, especially children who play in soil. We check for them with a stool test from our in-house laboratory.
Why year-round prevention is common here
Our winters are mild and uneven. A few warm days in January are enough for ticks to become active, and mosquitoes can show up earlier in spring and stay later into fall than many people expect. Fleas also survive indoors in heated homes through the cold months. For these reasons, many veterinarians in this part of Virginia recommend keeping dogs and cats on prevention every month of the year. Skipping a few months leaves gaps that parasites can use.
Choosing a plan
Prevention comes in several forms, such as chews, topical liquids, and collars. The right choice depends on your pet’s species, age, weight, health, and lifestyle. Some products that are safe for dogs are dangerous for cats, so never use a dog product on a cat. The veterinarian will go over the options with you during a wellness exam, and you can pick up what you need from our in-house pharmacy.
To start or update a plan for your pet in Woodbridge, request an appointment or call (703) 680-4646.
Common questions
Does my indoor cat need parasite prevention?
In most cases, yes. Fleas and mosquitoes get indoors easily, and they can ride in on people, dogs, or through open doors. The veterinarian can help you decide what level of protection fits.
Why does my dog need a heartworm test every year?
No preventive is perfect, and a missed or late dose can leave a gap. A yearly test catches an infection early and confirms the preventive is safe to continue.
Can I stop prevention in the winter?
It is common to recommend staying on it all year here. Warm spells bring ticks out, fleas live indoors, and heartworm protection works best without breaks.
I found a tick on my dog. What should I do?
Grip it close to the skin with fine tweezers and pull straight out with steady pressure. Wash the area, note the date, and call (703) 680-4646 if the spot stays red or your dog seems unwell in the following weeks.
Can my pet give worms to my family?
Some intestinal worms can pass to people, usually through contaminated soil. Regular stool testing, picking up after your pet, and good handwashing lower the risk.
Is it safe to use my dog's flea product on my cat?
No. Some ingredients in dog products are toxic to cats. If a dog product was already put on your cat, call right away at (703) 680-4646.
How do I know if my pet has fleas?
Look for scratching, small dark specks in the coat that turn red on a damp paper towel, or red bumps on the belly. Sometimes you will see the fleas themselves near the tail.
Questions, or ready to book?
Call us during open hours or send a request online and we will call you back to set a time.