All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention

San Antonio's warm climate means parasites are a year-round threat. Heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are preventable — and prevention is far easier and less expensive than treatment.

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Heartworm Disease in San Antonio

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic in Texas. Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries and can cause severe, life-threatening lung and heart disease. Treatment is expensive, prolonged, and hard on your pet. Prevention is simple: a monthly or annual injectable medication. We recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs in San Antonio.

Flea & Tick Prevention

  • Fleas cause intense itching, skin infections, and can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella (cat scratch disease)
  • Ticks transmit serious diseases including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • San Antonio's climate supports flea and tick populations year-round
  • Modern preventives (Bravecto, Simparica Trio, Revolution Plus) are highly effective and safe
  • Treating the environment (home and yard) is also important for flea control

Intestinal Parasite Prevention & Testing

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and Giardia are common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. Many are transmissible to humans (zoonotic). Annual fecal testing is recommended to detect parasites, and regular deworming is part of a comprehensive preventive care plan. Some heartworm preventives also protect against intestinal parasites.

Products We Carry

  • ProHeart 12 — injectable heartworm prevention lasting 12 months
  • Bravecto Quantum — injectable flea and tick prevention lasting 12 months
  • Simparica Trio — heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal parasite prevention for dogs
  • Revolution Plus — heartworm, flea, tick, and ear mite prevention for cats
  • Revolt — flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my indoor dog or cat need heartworm and flea prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes can enter homes, and fleas can be carried in on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Indoor pets are at lower risk but not zero risk. Year-round prevention is recommended for all pets in San Antonio.
How is heartworm disease treated if my dog gets it?
Heartworm treatment involves a series of injections of an arsenic-based drug (melarsomine), strict exercise restriction for months, and significant expense and risk. Prevention costs a fraction of treatment and carries no risk. If your dog has never been tested or has been off prevention, we recommend a heartworm test before starting or restarting prevention.
What is the best flea and tick prevention for my pet?
The best product depends on your pet's species, age, weight, health status, and lifestyle. We carry several highly effective options including Bravecto Quantum, Simparica Trio, and Revolution Plus. Dr. Davis will recommend the most appropriate product for your specific pet at your wellness exam.
Can I use dog flea products on my cat?
Never. Many dog flea and tick products — particularly those containing permethrin — are highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always use products specifically labeled for cats, and keep treated dogs away from cats until the product has dried.
How often should my pet be tested for heartworm?
Dogs should be tested for heartworm annually, even if they are on year-round prevention. This confirms the prevention is working and catches any breakthrough infections early. Cats are tested less routinely but testing may be recommended based on risk factors.
I see you don't carry my preferred preventative in-house — can I get a prescription for it?
Absolutely! You may request it directly through our online pharmacy at rx.ac.vet, or ask your preferred pharmacy to send us the request and we will review and approve as appropriate.

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Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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