Dog Parasite Prevention and Treatment in Maryland
Parasites can affect your dog both inside and out, and they pose risks not only to your pet’s health but also to your home and family. At Countryside Veterinary Clinic, we take parasite prevention seriously—from intestinal worms to fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Our goal is to protect your dog with comprehensive, proactive care so they can live a long, healthy, itch-free life.
What Are Parasites in Dogs?
Parasites are organisms that live in or on your dog, feeding off their blood or nutrients.
Common dog parasites fall into three categories:
- Intestinal Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms live in the gastrointestinal tract. Protozoan parasites like Giardia and Coccidia can also infect the intestines.
- External Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites live on the skin and coat, feeding on your dog’s blood and potentially spreading disease.
- Bloodborne Parasites: Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites and grow inside your dog’s bloodstream, eventually reaching the heart and lungs.
Why Early Detection Matters
Parasites are more than a nuisance—they can cause serious health issues. Intestinal parasites compete for nutrients and can lead to weight loss, bloody stool, or a poor coat. Fleas can trigger allergies, and ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Heartworms, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Because parasites can spread between animals and even to people, early diagnosis and treatment help prevent outbreaks in multi-pet households and the surrounding environment.
Signs Your Dog May Have Parasites
- Visible fleas or ticks
- Scratching, biting, or licking excessively
- Weight loss or bloated belly
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Fatigue or poor coat quality
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Parasites
If your dog is showing signs of parasites, we’ll perform a physical exam and collect a stool sample to check for intestinal worms. For heartworms, we use a simple blood test. External parasites are often visible during a physical exam, especially in short-haired dogs.
We prescribe targeted treatments based on the type of parasite. Intestinal parasites are typically treated with oral medications, which may need to be repeated to break the life cycle. Heartworms require a more intensive treatment protocol if an infection is confirmed. For fleas and ticks, we recommend safe, veterinary-approved preventives like Interceptor®, Credelio®, or Bravecto®.
Can I Use Over-the-Counter or Natural Remedies?
While some over-the-counter products are safe, they’re often not as effective as veterinary-prescribed options. The preventives we recommend have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, offering reliable protection you can trust.
How to Prevent Parasites at Home
Prevention is the best defense. Here's what you can do:
- Keep your dog on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventives
- Clean up pet waste regularly to avoid reinfection
- Groom and inspect your dog often for fleas and ticks
- Avoid tall grass or wooded areas where ticks are active
- Prevent access to other dogs’ feces at parks or outdoor spaces
Should Other Pets Be Treated, Too?
If one pet has parasites, there’s a good chance others in the household may be affected—especially with fleas, ticks, mites, or ringworm. We recommend bringing all pets in for evaluation so we can ensure your entire home is parasite-free.
Can People Get Parasites from Their Dogs?
Some parasites can be shared between pets and people. Fleas and ticks are the most common culprits, and ringworm, a fungal infection, can also spread to humans. Practicing good hygiene, using preventives, and scheduling routine checkups can reduce risk for everyone in the home.
Protect Your Dog from Parasites Year-Round
Parasites are common in Maryland throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but they can appear in any season. That’s why we recommend preventive care starting in puppyhood and continuing throughout your dog’s life. By screening early and staying on top of prevention, we can help your dog live a healthier, parasite-free life.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (410) 657-8024, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.