Heartworm and Parasite Prevention in Fairlawn, OH
Protecting Dogs and Cats from Internal and External Parasites
Parasites are more than a nuisance. They are a medical concern that can affect your pet’s long-term health and comfort. Some parasites cause mild digestive upset, while others can lead to organ damage or life-threatening disease.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we focus on heartworm prevention and intestinal parasite control for dogs and cats in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area. Preventative care is always safer and more manageable than treating advanced infections.
Why Parasite Prevention Matters
Pets are exposed to parasites through soil, grass, standing water, wildlife, fleas, and even other pets. Age, environment, and lifestyle all influence risk.
Parasites can cause:
- Digestive upset
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Skin irritation
- Organ damage
- Transmission to humans in some cases
Routine prevention reduces the risk of infection and protects both your pet and your household.
Heartworm Prevention and Testing
Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. Once infected, heartworms live in the heart and lungs, causing damage that can become severe over time.
Many dogs with early heartworm infection show no symptoms. As the disease progresses, signs may include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, or difficulty breathing.
Because early infection often has no obvious signs, annual heartworm testing is recommended. Testing ensures your pet remains protected and allows early detection if exposure occurs.
Monthly heartworm prevention medication significantly reduces the risk of infection. Preventative medication is much safer and more affordable than heartworm treatment.
For cats, heartworm infection is less common but still possible. Prevention strategies may vary based on lifestyle.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats
Intestinal parasites are common in both puppies and adult pets. These parasites live in the digestive tract and may not always cause visible symptoms.
Common intestinal parasites include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
- Coccidia
Some pets experience diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or poor coat condition. Others may show no signs at all.
Routine fecal testing during wellness exams helps detect intestinal parasites early
Giardia in Dogs
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that affects the intestines. It is often contracted through contaminated water, soil, or shared outdoor spaces.
Symptoms may include soft stool, diarrhea, or intermittent digestive upset. Some pets carry giardia without obvious symptoms.
Because giardia can spread in communal environments such as parks or daycare facilities, testing and proper hygiene are important.
Treatment typically involves medication and environmental management to prevent reinfection.
Integrated Parasite Protection
Flea and tick prevention works best when combined with heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention.
You can learn more about heartworm and intestinal parasite control on our Parasite Prevention page.
Preventative care is most effective when it is consistent and comprehensive.
Safe and Appropriate Medication Use
Preventative medications are generally well tolerated. We recommend using veterinary-approved products rather than over-the-counter alternatives.
We discuss dosage, timing, and potential side effects during your visit. If your pet has a history of medical concerns, we adjust recommendations accordingly.
Our goal is to provide safe, practical protection tailored to your pet.
What Happens If My Pet Gets Fleas?
If fleas are discovered, treatment typically involves:
- Immediate flea control medication
- Environmental cleaning
- Washing bedding
- Vacuuming regularly
Severe infestations may require multiple steps to fully resolve.
Prevention reduces the risk of this disruption.
Why Families in Fairlawn Trust Us for Flea and Tick Control
Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we provide clear guidance on prevention, not just treatment after a problem occurs.
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team assess your pet’s environment, lifestyle, and health history before recommending products. We focus on prevention strategies that are realistic and sustainable for your household.
Our goal is to help your pet stay comfortable and protected year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flea and Tick Prevention
Do indoor pets need flea prevention?
Yes. Fleas can enter homes on clothing, other pets, or wildlife exposure.
Are chewable medications effective?
Oral products such as Nexgard and Simparica are effective when given consistently.
Can ticks really make my dog sick?
Yes. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease can cause serious illness.
Should prevention be given year-round?
We recommend year-round protection because parasites are not limited to one season.
What if I miss a dose?
Contact us so we can advise whether immediate re-dosing or additional steps are needed.
Get Started with Vello
Scan the QR code or use the portal login link below to get started.
Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule Flea and Tick Prevention in Fairlawn
Consistent flea and tick prevention protects your pet from discomfort and disease.
If you would like to review your pet’s prevention plan or start a new medication, we are here to help.
Get In Touch!
Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
