Parasite Prevention: Why It’s a Year-Round Responsibility

Parasites are a serious health risk for pets in Georgia—and they’re active all year long. At Express Vets Buford, we take parasite prevention seriously because fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms can cause discomfort, disease, and even death if left untreated.

Heartworms are one of the most dangerous parasites affecting dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. They are spread by mosquitoes, which are active even in Georgia’s milder winters. Once infected, heartworms live in the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory issues, fatigue, and potentially fatal complications. The worst part? There’s no easy cure for heartworm disease in dogs and no approved treatment for cats.

The good news is that heartworm disease is entirely preventable. We recommend monthly heartworm prevention for all dogs and cats, along with annual heartworm testing to ensure effectiveness.

Fleas and ticks are more than just itchy pests. Fleas can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, and anemia, while ticks carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. These pests are especially problematic in wooded or grassy areas—common in Buford and surrounding communities.

At Express Vets Buford, we offer a variety of flea and tick prevention products, including oral medications and topical treatments. These are safe, vet-approved, and highly effective. We’ll help you choose the best option for your pet based on their age, size, and lifestyle.

Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can also pose serious health risks—especially to puppies and kittens. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and more. Some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans. Routine deworming and fecal testing are essential parts of your pet’s preventive care plan.

Even indoor pets aren’t immune to parasites. Fleas can hitch a ride indoors on your shoes, mosquitoes find their way through open doors, and ticks can cling to your clothing. That’s why we recommend year-round prevention, regardless of where your pet spends most of their time.

We know that with so many prevention products out there, it can be confusing to choose the right one. That’s where we come in. Our veterinary team will walk you through the options and help you stay on track with monthly doses, so your pet is always protected.

Parasite prevention is easy, affordable, and one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health. Schedule your next wellness visit at 4108 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 310, Buford, GA 30519 and get Express Vets Buford by calling (470) 326-5220 to let us help you build a parasite protection plan that works.