Protecting Pets From Parasites
Safe, effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—tailored to your pet’s needs
At Best Friends Animal Hospital and Pet Resources, we believe nothing should come between you and your pet—especially fleas, ticks, and other parasites. More than a nusiance, these tiny parasites can irritate and transmit diseases to your pet and family.
What pet diseases are caused by parasites?
In the Midwest, fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are a year-round threat, affecting dogs, cats, and people. With one bite, parasites can infect pets with serious illnesses such as:
- Heartworm disease (transmitted by mosquitoes)
- Lyme disease (transmitted by ticks)
- Ehrlichiosis (transmitted by ticks)
- Anaplasmosis (transmitted by ticks)
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (transmitted by ticks)
- Tapeworms (transmitted by fleas)
- Flea-allergy dermatitis
- And many more
How are parasites and parasitic diseases detected in pets?
At Best Friends Animal Hospital and Pet Resources, routine parasite screening tests are part of your pet’s recommended care. These tests help us identify the presence of parasites or disease exposure, so we can act quickly with targeted treatment and ideally prevent further illness or exposure.
- Heartworm disease testing — To detect the presence of life-threatening heartworms
- Tick-borne disease testing — To identify exposure to disease-carrying ticks
- Visual assessment — Examination of your pet’s skin and coat for tell-tale signs of parasites
- Fecal screening — Helps detect intestinal parasites such as roundworms, coccidia, and giardia
If your pet tests positive for a parasite-transmitted disease or has signs of a parasite infestation, there’s no need to fear. Our veterinarians can devise a tailored treatment plan to help restore your pet’s health and protect them from future threats.
Does my pet need year-round parasite prevention?
Year-round prevention is recommended for all dogs and cats, including those who live exclusively indoors. Our mild Illinois winters and long, humid summers create a prime environment for parasites, which can enter your home through open doors or windows or hitch a ride on pets or clothing.
Fortunately, veterinary-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventives offer a safe, effective, and convenient way to protect your pet from serious threats.
Which parasite preventive is right for my pet?
Our veterinarians are deeply committed to staying up to date on the latest research and clinical data, so you can feel confident that the preventives we recommend are not only proven to work but also meet the highest standards of safety for your pet and your family
With various preventive options available, including oral, topical, and injectable preparations, our veterinarians will recommend a product that fits your pet’s needs—and yours.
