Pet Parasite Prevention
Parasites might be small, but the health risks they pose are anything but. That’s why we at Providence Animal Hospital emphasize regular pet parasite prevention, screening, and care to protect both your pet and your family from harmful infestations in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Why Pet Parasite Prevention Matters
Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms can cause serious illness in pets — and some can even be transmitted to humans.
Regular parasite screenings and year-round prevention are essential to protect your dog or cat from discomfort, disease, and long-term complications. In fact, Tennessee ranks in the top 5 states for heartworm disease, and our mild winters don’t offer a reliable break from flea and tick activity.
While dogs are a major focus for parasite prevention, cats are also at significant risk of infection. According to some veterinary estimates, 10–30% of cats will develop lung disease due to heartworms if they do not receive prevention. (Note this rate is higher than the risks for Feline Leukemia or even Feline AIDS.)
In any animal, however, heartworm is a severe infection that will quickly cause vomiting, coughing, severe lung congestion, allergic reactions, and even death. That means prevention isn’t seasonal — it’s necessary year-round.
What We Screen For
Our parasite prevention services cover a wide range of common internal and external parasites that affect both dogs and cats.
For Dogs:
- Heartworms (carried by mosquitoes)
- Fleas (cause tapeworms and skin irritation)
- Ticks (transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)
- Intestinal Worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms)
For Cats:
- Heartworms (can cause irreversible lung disease; no known treatment, only prevention)
- Fleas & Ticks
- Ear Mites
- Roundworms & Hookworms (even indoor cats are at risk)
We perform thorough screenings during wellness exams and recommend the most effective preventatives based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health history.
The Health Risks of Parasites
Unchecked parasites can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- Chronic coughing and breathing difficulties
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
- Skin infections, itching, and hair loss
- Organ damage (heart, lungs, kidneys)
- Lethargy and immune suppression
- Zoonotic transmission to humans, especially children
Year-Round Protection Plans
For Dogs:
- Heartworm Prevention: PROHEART 6 (a single injection every 6 months)
- Flea & Tick Prevention: Oral and topical options that suit your pet’s needs and preferences
For Cats:
- REVOLUTION PLUS: Monthly topical protection that covers heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and intestinal worms
Reminder: Even indoor dogs and cats are at risk. Mosquitoes can fly inside, and fleas can hitch a ride on your clothes!
We tailor every plan to your pet and explain exactly how and when to administer treatments — no guesswork, just protection.
Schedule a Parasite Screening or Prevention Appointment Today
Whether your pet is scratching, has a history of parasites, or just needs routine prevention, we’re here to help. Let’s protect your pet — and your home — from unwanted pests.
Give your pet the gift of comfort, health, and protection all year round.