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.
Fleas, Ticks, and Secondary Parasite Risks
External parasites such as fleas and ticks also contribute to parasite-related illness.
Fleas can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm.
Comprehensive parasite prevention often includes protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms in one plan.
We discuss product options during your pet’s wellness visit and recommend prevention based on lifestyle and exposure risk.
You can learn more about routine preventive care on our Wellness Exams page.
Puppies and Kittens Require Extra Attention
Young pets are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites. Many puppies and kittens are born with parasites transmitted from their mother.
Regular deworming and fecal testing during early visits help protect growing pets from complications.
Establishing prevention early supports lifelong health.
Why Prevention Is Safer Than Treatment
Treating advanced parasite infections can require intensive medication, hospitalization, or extended recovery.
Heartworm treatment in dogs involves multiple steps and strict activity restriction. Intestinal parasite infections can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies if untreated.
Preventative medication and routine testing reduce the risk of these complications.
We believe prevention is one of the most important investments in your pet’s health.
Our Approach to Parasite Prevention in Fairlawn
Every pet has different risk factors. Outdoor activity, travel, wildlife exposure, and other pets in the household all influence prevention strategies.
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team review your pet’s history and lifestyle to recommend an individualized parasite prevention plan.
We focus on practical, consistent protection rather than one-time treatment.
Our goal is to keep your dog or cat comfortable and protected throughout every season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasite Prevention
Does my indoor pet need parasite prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes and other parasites can enter homes. Indoor pets still require heartworm prevention and periodic testing.
How often should heartworm testing be done?
Annual testing is recommended for dogs to ensure prevention remains effective.
What are signs of intestinal parasites?
Diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, or visible worms in stool may occur. However, some pets show no symptoms.
Is giardia contagious?
Giardia can spread through contaminated environments. Proper treatment and hygiene reduce transmission risk.
Are parasite preventatives safe?
Preventative medications are generally well tolerated. We review medical history before recommending products.
Get Started with Vello
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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 Parasite Prevention in Fairlawn
Protecting your pet from heartworm and intestinal parasites is an essential part of preventative vet care.
If your pet is due for heartworm testing, fecal screening, or updated prevention, 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.
