Pets can’t tell us when something feels wrong, but subtle behavior changes are often the first warning sign. At PetCura Animal Hospital in Livermore, CA, we provide comprehensive parasite prevention and treatment to keep pets healthy year-round. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms can affect cats and dogs of all ages. With the right care plan and routine screenings, most parasite infections can be prevented or treated effectively.

Common Parasites That Affect Pets

Parasites fall into two main categories: external and internal.

External parasites include:

• Fleas – tiny biting pests that irritate the skin and can trigger allergic reactions
• Ticks – blood-feeding parasites that can transmit serious diseases

Internal parasites include:

• Heartworms – worms that live in the heart and lungs and are spread by mosquitoes
• Roundworms and other intestinal parasites – which infect the digestive tract

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

Early stages may show minimal symptoms, which is why annual testing is critical. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

• Persistent cough
• Decreased stamina or reluctance to exercise
• Sluggish behavior
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen from fluid buildup
• Pale gums in severe cases

Because symptoms can mimic other conditions, routine heartworm screening is essential for parasite prevention and treatment.

Other Signs of Parasite Infection

Beyond heartworms, pets with parasite infestations may experience:

• Diarrhea or changes in stool
• Weight loss despite normal appetite
• Itchy skin or excessive scratching from fleas
• Visible ticks attached to the skin
• Dull coat or overall decline in health

If you notice these symptoms, prompt veterinary care is recommended to prevent complications.

How Pets Get Fleas and Ticks

Fleas are opportunistic hitchhikers that can be picked up from grass, other animals, or infested environments. Once on your pet, they reproduce quickly and can even transmit intestinal parasites such as roundworms when pets groom themselves.

Ticks attach firmly to the skin and feed on blood. In addition to causing irritation and potential anemia, ticks can transmit serious illnesses that affect the joints, kidneys, and immune system.

What to Expect During a Heartworm Appointment

At PetCura Animal Hospital, heartworm prevention and treatment appointments are thorough and designed for early detection.

During your visit, you can expect:

• A comprehensive physical exam
• A simple blood test to screen for heartworm infection
• Discussion of your pet’s lifestyle and parasite risk factors
• Recommendations for monthly heartworm preventatives
• Guidance on flea and tick treatments
• Routine fecal exams to detect intestinal parasites

If your pet tests positive for heartworm disease, our veterinarians, Dr. Singla, Dr. Singh, and Dr. Munir, will outline a personalized treatment plan. In dogs, treatment typically involves a series of carefully scheduled injections, restricted activity to reduce strain on the heart, and close monitoring throughout recovery.

Proactive Protection for Lifelong Health

If your pet is due for testing or is not currently protected, call or text PetCura Animal Hospital in Livermore, CA, at (925) 292-5153 to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is committed to providing trusted parasite prevention and treatment to keep your pet safe, healthy, and thriving.