Pet Parasite Control: Flea, Tick, & Worm Prevention

Parasites can pose serious health risks to both your pets and your family. Once considered minor annoyances, fleas, ticks, and worms are now recognized as threats capable of causing significant illness or even death. Our goal is to keep you and your pets safe year-round with tailored pet parasite control plans for both external and internal parasites.

External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Chiggers

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can cause serious health issues for pets, including persistent itching, allergic dermatitis, and even life-threatening conditions like anemia. These pests are also capable of transmitting harmful diseases. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, while fleas are known to transmit tapeworms and Bartonella—the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever in humans. Chiggers aren't known for carrying diseases, but cause immense irritation and itchiness.

In Michigan, flea, tick, and chigger activity is more intense during the warmer months, but exposure can happen any time of the year. Pets who spend time outdoors—and even those who stay mostly indoors—can still be at risk.

At Eascor Animal Hospital, we offer safe, effective, veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and chigger prevention in Flint, MI for dogs and cats. Our customized plans include:

• Topical treatments

• Oral medications

• Flea and tick collars

• Environmental sprays

• Year-round prevention schedules

All products we recommend are selected based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health history. Our veterinary team will help you choose the most appropriate solution and teach you how to monitor for signs of infestation at home.

If you’ve noticed increased scratching, red or irritated skin, or other signs of discomfort, don’t wait! Early intervention can help prevent serious complications.

Internal Parasites: Hidden Threats Like Heartworms, Roundworms, and Hookworms

Unlike external parasites, internal parasites can often go unnoticed. Many pets infected with intestinal worms like roundworms or hookworms may show no signs of illness at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include diarrhea, weight loss, or a dull coat. These parasites don’t just affect pets—they can also be transmitted to humans, posing additional risks to your household.

Heartworms are another dangerous internal parasite, transmitted by mosquitoes. They live in the heart and lungs, causing damage to these critical organs. If left untreated, heartworms can lead to severe illness or death in dogs and cats.

At Eascor Animal Hospital, we take internal parasite prevention seriously. Our veterinary team offers:

• Parasite screening and diagnostic testing

• Heartworm preventives

• Deworming medications

• Guidance on at-home monitoring and sanitation

• Long-term prevention plans tailored to your pet

We recommend routine veterinary exams and scheduled testing to detect parasites early, even when there are no outward signs. Prevention is far more effective—and more affordable—than treating advanced parasitic infections.

Prevention Matters for Everyone in the Home

Parasites don’t just affect your pets—they can pose health risks to your entire family. Children are particularly vulnerable to zoonotic parasites like roundworms and hookworms. That’s why parasite control is a critical part of both pet and household wellness.

Our experienced veterinary staff is here to help you create a personalized prevention and treatment plan that protects your pet and your family. We’ll walk you through what signs to watch for, when to schedule testing, and how to maintain a parasite-free environment at home. For more information, contact us today and check out our strategy guide on immediate pet parasite prevention tips¹.