Sunday, April 12, 2015

A message from Dr. Kryger: Custom Parasite Protection

4.12.15 A message from Dr. Kryger:

The season has come in which many of us will begin making decisions as to what type of parasite protection we would like to use on our pets. Some of us use preventatives on a seasonal basis, as others will use them year round. One very important category of preventative is Heartworm protection.

Over my years as a Veterinarian, I have continued to educate clients about Heartworm disease and how it is spread and transmitted. Both dogs and cats are susceptible to heartworm infection. Heartworm is a disease that is spread by mosquitoe bites, and throughout our area, there are significant resevoirs of infection. A single monthly preventative can prevent your pet from contracting this disease. Veterinarians will often screen for Heartworm through a simple blood test. It is not a parasite that is found through routine fecal examination. Many have somehow associated Heartworm with intestinal parasites that are screened through annual fecal exams.

The market has many options for us to chose a preventative that is right for our pet. Many folks do not realize that heartworm preventatives are often combined with dewormers. Each month you administer the preventative, you actually deworm at the same time. Preventatives have different combinations of medication blended for Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms , Tapeworms, and even fleas, each being unique for that preventative. This can become important for several reasons. Lets say for instance someone has a reoccuring issue with whipworms, a very difficult parasite to eradicate from your environment. When choosing a monthly preventative, consider one that has a medication added for the control and treatment of whipworms.

Premier Moble Veterinary Service will be offering this year a new option for our pet owners to consider, a Custom Parasite Protection plan. The program is a partnership with our affiliated pharmacy to prescribe and arrange delivery of compounded parasite medication.

The medication is individualized for your pet's weight and risk factors. The capsule or chewable medication is given each month for 12 months, or 6 months using our feline liquid, to keep your pet free of common parasites that may adversely affect their health.

This program is an affordable way to care for your pet regardless of size and can be adjusted each year to reflect any change in weight. This type of program is not available commercially, but only through this veterinary partnership with the pharmacy.

The medication can be delivered to your home with FREE delivery, or you may pick it up here at our clinic within 5-10 business days of placing your order. Additional topical protection is available for adult fleas, ticks, and lice, making this a cost effective means for treating your pets year round.
If you would like to learn more about Custom Parasite Protection for your pet this year, please give us a call. We will be more than happy to discuss any questions you may have starting this program, or transitioning from another program you have used in the past. Don't let your pet go unprotected from life-threatining parasites- start the Custom Parasite Protection for your dog or cat today.