The Ick Factor: A Mite-y Problem!

For something so small, typically less than a millimeter in length, mites can wreak an awful lot of havoc on your pet. Different types of mites may target different areas (ears are a popular destination for the pests), but they can all cause intense itching.

Additional symptoms of mite infestation include hair loss, skin lesions, head shaking, and redness. Unfortunately, th
ese symptoms can be very similar to other conditions. The best way to make a diagnosis of mite infestation is by a skin scraping taken at our office. And keep in mind, if you live in a multi-pet household, that if one pet is diagnosed with mites, you will want to talk with us about whether all your pets should be treated.

Call today for an appointment, and together, we can avoid a mite-y bother!

PS: Don't forget, you can still get 15% off intestinal parasite screenings through the end of April. Make your appointment today!

The Ick Factor: Nit Picking!

Excessive scratching can mean your pet is hosting unwelcome company.

If your cat is up to scratch, she may be hosting some unpleasant hitch-hikers: lice and ringworm. While both pests cause your pet to itch and scratch, they also have more individual symptoms. Feline ringworm infection often causes circular patches of hair loss on the head or ears, while lice may cause your pet's coat to appear dry or generally unkempt. And while lice are happy to stick to your cat, ringworm will take whatever warm-blooded host it can get - including you.

The treatment for these conditions is fairly straightforward, but please contact our office any time you notice new or atypical behavior in your pet. While the cause may be something treatable and relatively benign (like lice), it can also be a symptom of other conditions - like a metabolic disorder - that may require more intensive treatment.

Call TODAY to send unwelcome company packing!

And don't forget - intestinal parasite screenings are 15% off through the end of April. Schedule your appointment today!

The Ick Factor: Worms!

Spring means warmer days - and more icky parasites!

It's a cat's life... and unfortunately, quite a number of opportunistic pests - like worms - are perfectly content to take advantage of them! The major offenders are roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms.

Your pet can be infected in a variety of ways, from ingesting an infected rodent to nursing (yes, kittens can get roundworms by nursing from an infected mom). Generally speaking, worms are rarely fatal, but they can significantly affect the well-being of your pet, and some can also, unfortunately, pass from your four-legged family members to your two-legged ones.


You should have your pet tested annually, but if you ever notice the following symptoms, please contact our office:

• Coughing or vomiting
• Diarrhea or bloody stool
• Weight loss

Fortunately, worms are one of the easiest parasites to get rid of, and many heartworm medications also treat some intestinal worms.

To help keep your kitty safe, we're offering 15% off intestinal parasite screenings through the month of April! Schedule your appointment today!