Parasite Control
Pet Parasite Prevention & Control in Surprise, AZ
Intestinal parasites are more than just a nuisance. They are a serious health risk to your pets and, in many cases, your family. At Animal Medical Center of Surprise, we provide comprehensive screening and treatment protocols to identify and eliminate these "hidden" threats.
Why Internal Parasites are Hard to Detect
Most intestinal parasites live deep within your pet’s digestive tract. Because they are often invisible to the naked eye, many pets show no outward symptoms until the infestation is severe.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A "pot-bellied" appearance (common in puppies and kittens)
- Weight loss or stunted growth
- Scooting or irritation under the tail
- Visible worms or "rice-like" segments in the stool
Common Parasites Identified via Fecal Testing
Our laboratory uses advanced fecal analysis to detect the eggs or cysts of several common parasites:
- Roundworms: Long, spaghetti-like worms that can cause respiratory issues and stunted growth.
- Hookworms: Parasites that attach to the intestinal lining, potentially causing severe anemia.¹
- Tapeworms: Often transmitted by fleas; these appear as small, white, moving segments.
- Coccidia & Giardia: Microscopic protozoa that thrive in contaminated water or soil and cause chronic digestive upset.²
Zoonotic Risk: Protecting Your Family
Many intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Children are particularly at risk when playing in soil or sandboxes where pets have been.
- Roundworms can cause visceral larval migrans in humans.
- Hookworms can cause skin infections (cutaneous larval migrans).
By maintaining a regular deworming and testing schedule, you are not just protecting your pet—you are protecting your home.³
Our Recommended Testing Schedule
Since many parasites are picked up from the environment (soil, grass, or communal dog parks in Surprise), we follow the CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) guidelines:
- Puppies & Kittens: Fecal analysis during every initial wellness exam, as most young animals are born with or contract parasites from their mothers.
- Adult Pets: A professional fecal screening at least once annually during their wellness visit.
- Treatment: If parasites are detected, our veterinarians provide targeted therapies specifically designed to eliminate that exact species of worm or protozoa.
Schedule Your Pet’s Fecal Exam Today
Protect your pet and your family from hidden parasites. Contact Animal Medical Center of Surprise to schedule a wellness exam or to drop off a stool sample for analysis.
