Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention for Dogs & Cats in Oklahoma City, OK | Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic of Life Care for Pets in Oklahoma City, OK

Don’t let tiny pests cause big problems. Routine parasite prevention is important for your pet’s well-being. At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we know how much your pets mean to you. They’re more than just animals; they’re family. That’s why keeping them healthy, happy, and free from parasites is one of our top priorities.

Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms don’t just cause itching or discomfort—they can lead to serious, life-threatening diseases. The good news? Parasite prevention is simple, safe, and effective when done correctly.

Our team is here to help you choose the best vet-approved parasite prevention plan for your dog or cat. Whether your pet spends most of their time indoors or loves outdoor adventures, parasites can still find a way in. Let’s work together to keep your pet protected all year long!

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Why Is Parasite Prevention So Important?

Parasites may be small, but their impact on your pet’s health can be huge. These unwanted pests don’t just cause itching and irritation—they can lead to severe infections, chronic illness, and even life-threatening diseases. Some parasites also pose risks to humans, making prevention important for both pets and their families.

Here’s a look at some of the most common parasites affecting dogs and cats in Oklahoma City:

Fleas

Multiply quickly, causing intense itching, skin infections, and allergies. They can also transmit tapeworms and lead to anemia in small pets.

Ticks

Blood-feeding parasites that spread diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, which can affect both pets and people.

Heartworms

Transmitted by mosquito bites, these worms invade the heart and lungs, leading to coughing, fatigue, organ damage, and even death. Heartworm disease is difficult to treat but 100% preventable with regular medication.

Intestinal Worms

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms steal nutrients from your pet’s digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Some of these worms can also infect humans.

The Risks of Untreated Parasites

Without proper prevention, parasites can cause:

Chronic discomfort

Fleas, ticks, and worms lead to itching, skin infections, and allergic reactions.

Severe anemia

Blood loss from parasites like fleas and hookworms can be life-threatening, especially for puppies and kittens.

Organ damage

Heartworms cause permanent heart and lung damage, leading to heart failure.

Digestive problems

Intestinal worms weaken pets, leading to malnutrition and poor growth.

Zoonotic transmission

Some parasites can spread to humans, posing a risk to children and those with weaker immune systems.

Because Oklahoma’s warm climate allows parasites to thrive year-round, consistent prevention is the safest way to keep your pet healthy, happy, and parasite-free.

At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we provide safe, effective, and vet-approved parasite prevention to protect your pet from these dangers. Schedule an appointment today to keep your furry friend protected!

Our Parasite Prevention Services

We offer safe, effective, and vet-approved parasite prevention options to protect dogs and cats from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Our customized prevention plans at Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic help ensure your pet stays healthy and parasite-free year-round.

Flea & Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are not just a seasonal problem in Oklahoma. They can survive indoors and outdoors, making year-round prevention important.

Oral & Topical Medications – Monthly flea and tick preventatives that are easy to use and highly effective.

Flea & Tick Collars – Long-lasting protection for pets who spend time outdoors.

Vet-Approved Treatments – If your pet already has fleas or ticks, we provide safe treatments to clear infestations quickly.

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day! Prevention is much easier than treating an infestation.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is one of the most serious threats to dogs and cats, but it’s completely preventable with routine care.

Monthly Chewable or Topical Preventatives – Protects your pet from heartworm infection before it starts.

ProHeart 6 & ProHeart 12 Injections – One injection provides 6 or 12 months of continuous heartworm prevention.

Annual Heartworm Testing – Even with prevention, yearly testing ensures your pet remains heartworm-free.

Mosquitoes can stay active year-round, making consistent heartworm prevention a must!

Deworming & Intestinal Parasite Control

Even indoor pets can pick up worms from contaminated soil, infected prey, or even fleas carrying tapeworms. Regular deworming helps keep pets (and their families) safe.

Routine Deworming for Puppies & Kittens – Young pets are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites.

Annual Fecal Exams – A simple test to check for hidden parasites in your pet’s stool.

Broad-Spectrum Dewormers – If worms are found, we offer safe, effective treatments to clear them out.

Some intestinal parasites can spread to humans, making regular deworming important for both pets and families. Keeping your pet safe from parasites is simple and affordable with year-round prevention. At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we tailor prevention plans to fit your pet’s needs and lifestyle.

How Often Should My Pet Receive Parasite Prevention?

Parasite prevention should be consistent and year-round, as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites remain active in Oklahoma’s mild climate. Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic creates customized prevention plans based on each pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Flea & Tick Prevention: Monthly, Year-Round

Fleas and ticks don’t disappear in colder months; they survive indoors and on wildlife.

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, leading to a rapid infestation.

Monthly oral or topical preventatives or long-lasting flea & tick collars offer reliable protection.

Regularly check pets for fleas/ticks and keep living spaces clean to prevent infestations.

Heartworm Prevention: Monthly or Every 6-12 Months

Heartworms spread through mosquito bites—even indoor pets are at risk.

Skipping one dose leaves pets unprotected for 30 days, increasing infection risk.

Options include monthly chewables/topicals or ProHeart injections (6 or 12 months).

Annual heartworm testing ensures early detection and treatment if needed.

Deworming & Intestinal Parasite Control: Based on Risk & Lifestyle

Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every 2-3 weeks until 12 weeks old.

Adult pets need annual fecal exams to check for hidden parasites.

Pets at high risk (e.g., outdoor pets, hunters) may require more frequent deworming.

Monthly preventatives with broad-spectrum dewormers offer extra protection.

How Often Should My Pet Receive Parasite Prevention?

Protect Your Pet Year-Round!

Flea & Tick Prevention: Monthly oral/topical or long-lasting collars.

Heartworm Prevention: Monthly chewables/topicals or ProHeart injections (6-12 months).

Deworming & Fecal Exams: Routine deworming for puppies/kittens and annual screenings for all pets.

Need help choosing the best parasite prevention plan? Our team is happy to guide you! Schedule an appointment today.

Take Action: Prevent Parasites and Keep Your Pet Healthy!

Your pet depends on you to keep them safe. Protecting them from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites is one of the best ways to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life.

At Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic, we make parasite prevention simple, affordable, and stress-free. Let’s work together to give your pet the best protection possible! Book an appointment today to discuss the best parasite prevention options for your pet.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you may have questions about our services and how we care for your pets and animals. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries to help guide you. If you need further assistance, our team at Okie Paws Veterinary Clinic is just a call away!

Why is parasite prevention important year-round?
Oklahoma’s warm weather allows parasites to thrive even in winter. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes don’t take a break, so year-round prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe.
What is the safest flea and tick prevention for my pet?
We only recommend vet-approved flea and tick preventatives, including oral medications, topical treatments, and collars. We’ll help you choose the best option based on your pet’s needs.
How can I tell if my pet has parasites?
Common signs include:
- Fleas/Ticks: Excessive scratching, hair loss, visible fleas or ticks.
- Heartworms: Coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing.
- Intestinal Worms: Vomiting, diarrhea, bloated belly, weight loss.
- Regular vet visits help detect parasites before symptoms appear.
What happens if my pet gets heartworms?
Heartworm treatment is costly and risky, requiring multiple injections and strict rest. Prevention is always safer and more affordable than treatment.
Can humans get parasites from pets?
Yes, some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans. Roundworms, hookworms, and fleas are some of the biggest concerns. Keeping pets on parasite prevention reduces this risk.