May is Intestinal Parasite Awareness Month

Why is parasite control important...

• Wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes are carriers that may contaminate your enviroment without you knowing it.
• Congratulate your cat when he catches a mouse and treat him when he ingests their parasites.
• Worms contribute to a poor coat, body condtion and overall health and can also be a factor in stinting growth.
• Almost all puppies have roundworm.
• Worms are zoonotic, which means they can spread from pet to owner if not controlled.
• Hookworms, if left untreated will cause extreme anemia and maybe even death by attaching themselves to the inside of the intesines and feeding on the host's blood.
• That "potbelly" we love to kiss on puppies and kitties is usually due to roundworms, "spaghetti" like parasites that pass when defecating or vomiting. When an infection becomes severe, it can actually obstruct the intestines and lead to severe problems.
• Tapeworm or "moving rice" can cause dull coat, diarrhea, lethargy, and poor weight gain resulting in a smaller than average dog. Extreme anal itching and scooting are the other usual indications.

Why bring your dogs to Southtown Vet...

• According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself from getting worms is to regularly have your pet de-wormed by a veterinarian.
• Over the counter drugs may not contain the correct ingredient for total control, or a dosage that is adequate.
• Year round broad spectrum parasite control is recommended, and yearly fecal examinations are highly recommended.
• We use a state of the art centrifuge to detect ovum in your pets stool sample.
• We are open 6 days a week, including 2 evenings.

As an expression of our appreciation, we are offering a $20 credit for every new client that you refer to our hospital!