Prevention - Royal Road Veterinary Hospital

Protecting your pet from parasites is essential for their health. Parasites like heartworms, fleas, ticks, and other internal and external invaders can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions for both your pet and your family. We’ll provide a personalized preventive plan for your pet based on their lifestyle and exposure risks. Additionally, we offer guidance on safeguarding your home from parasitic infections. Contact us for a consultation or to refill your pet’s medications, and take action to protect your family today!

pet-Grooming

Fleas are the most common external parasites affecting pets, leading to itching, skin irritation, and the potential transmission of diseases to both animals and humans. Most flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are found off your pet and around your home. An effective flea control strategy tackles all stages of the flea life cycle and treats your pet’s environment.

The Flea Life Cycle: Ctenocephalides felis

Fleas undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Flea eggs fall from the pet into the environment, hatching into larvae that feed on flea feces. After developing, larvae form cocoons, which can resist freezing and insecticides, lying dormant for months. The adult fleas emerge to feed once they find a host. The complete flea cycle can be completed in as little as three weeks.
Current Flea Control Solutions

In the past, flea control focused on treating the pet’s environment for immature fleas, requiring frequent applications. Older products often didn’t kill fleas quickly or provide long-lasting protection. Today, veterinarians have access to effective and safe flea control products. We’ll help you select the most appropriate treatment to prevent and treat fleas for your pet.
Flea Control Recommendations

We recommend treating all pets with a monthly flea prevention product. Cats should not be treated with permethrin-based products. Fleas can persist indoors during winter, so year-round prevention may be necessary. Sometimes, treating your pet’s indoor environment is required. Flea sprays designed for home use can help eliminate fleas and prevent their reproduction. Consult with your veterinarian for the best products and ensure safe application.
Heartworm Prevention

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm, which can cause serious damage to your pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. As more pets are brought from heartworm-endemic areas into Canada, monthly prevention is becoming increasingly important. If you’re concerned about heartworm, we offer testing at our clinic. We recommend annual testing to detect the parasite early and begin treatment or maintain prevention.
Tick Prevention

Ticks are spreading across North America, including regions previously unaffected. These parasites can carry several harmful bacteria, including those responsible for Lyme disease, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. Lyme disease is prevalent in the Atlantic provinces, with other infections on the rise due to increased pet movement. Preventing tick infestations is essential. We offer various prevention products based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors, including topical liquids and oral medications. Many tick prevention treatments also protect against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.