Pet Parasites Chatsworth: Complete Guide to Fleas, Ticks, Heartworms & Worms

It was a typical Saturday afternoon when Lisa brought her Golden Retriever, Max, into Topanga Veterinary Clinic. "He's been scratching constantly for the past week," she explained, looking worried. "I thought maybe it was just dry skin, but then I saw something moving in his fur."

Dr. Gurmani examined Max carefully and found what Lisa had feared—fleas. Dozens of them, hidden in Max's thick golden coat. But the flea infestation was just the beginning. A fecal test revealed Max also had roundworms, likely picked up from the dog park. And a blood test showed he'd been exposed to heartworm—thankfully, the preventive medication Lisa had been giving him had kept him protected.

"Parasites are incredibly common in Southern California," Dr. Gurmani explained to Lisa. "Our warm climate means fleas and ticks are active year-round. And places like dog parks, hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, and even your own backyard can harbor parasites."

This comprehensive guide covers everything Chatsworth pet owners need to know about parasites—from the tiny fleas that cause misery to the deadly heartworms that can kill your pet. Whether you're a new pet owner or you've had dogs and cats for years, understanding parasites is essential to keeping your pet healthy.

What Are Pet Parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside your pet's body and survive by feeding off your pet. They're divided into two main categories:

External parasites (ectoparasites) live on your pet's skin or in their fur. These include:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Ear mites
• Mange mites (sarcoptic and demodectic)
• Lice

Internal parasites (endoparasites) live inside your pet's body, usually in the intestines, heart, or lungs. These include:

• Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati)
• Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum)
• Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
• Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)
• Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)
• Giardia
• Coccidia

Many of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from pets to humans, especially children. This makes parasite prevention not just a pet health issue, but a family health issue.

Fleas: The Most Common External Parasite

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that can make your pet's life miserable. In Chatsworth's year-round warm climate, flea season never really ends.

How Fleas Affect Your Pet

A single flea can bite your pet up to 400 times per day. Female fleas can lay 50 eggs daily, which means a small flea problem can become a major infestation in just weeks.

Signs your pet has fleas:

• Intense scratching, especially around the base of the tail, belly, and neck
• Red, irritated skin or small scabs
• Hair loss from excessive scratching
• "Flea dirt" (black specks of flea feces) in the fur—looks like ground black pepper
• Visible fleas (small, dark brown insects that move quickly)
• Pale gums (in severe infestations, fleas can cause anemia)
• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Some pets are allergic to flea saliva. Just one or two flea bites can trigger an intense allergic reaction that lasts for weeks. Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis may develop:

• Severe itching and scratching
• Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
• Hair loss, especially on the back half of the body
• Secondary skin infections from constant scratching
• Thickened, darkened skin from chronic inflammation

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions Dr. Gurmani treats at Topanga Veterinary Clinic.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Getting rid of fleas requires treating three areas simultaneously:

1. Treat your pet:

• Monthly flea prevention medication (topical or oral)
• Flea bath (only use products labeled safe for your pet's species and age)
• Flea comb to remove adult fleas

2. Treat your home:

• Vacuum all carpets, furniture, and pet bedding daily
• Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
• Use premise sprays or flea foggers if infestation is severe
• Empty vacuum bag immediately after each use (fleas can survive inside)

3. Treat your yard:

• Spray outdoor areas where your pet spends time
• Keep grass mowed short
• Remove leaf litter and debris where fleas hide

Important: Never use dog flea products on cats. Products containing permethrin are highly toxic to cats and can be fatal.

Ticks: Dangerous Disease Carriers

Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders) that attach to your pet's skin and feed on blood for days. Unlike fleas, ticks don't jump—they wait on grass or brush and crawl onto your pet when they walk by.

In the Chatsworth and Topanga areas, especially near hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, ticks are common from spring through fall.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can transmit serious diseases to dogs and cats:

Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi):

• Causes fever, lameness, joint swelling, lethargy
• Can lead to kidney disease if untreated
• Most common in certain geographic areas (Northeast, Upper Midwest, Northern California)

Ehrlichiosis:

• Causes fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding disorders
• Can become chronic if not treated early

Anaplasmosis:

• Causes fever, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Similar symptoms to Lyme disease

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever:

• Causes fever, lethargy, joint pain, neurological signs
• Can be fatal if not treated quickly

Babesiosis:

• Destroys red blood cells, causing anemia
• Symptoms include weakness, pale gums, dark urine

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick on your pet:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your pet's skin as possible
2. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure—don't twist or jerk
3. Don't squeeze the tick's body (this can inject disease-carrying saliva into your pet)
4. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
5. Dispose of the tick by placing it in rubbing alcohol or flushing it down the toilet
6. Watch the bite site for signs of infection or rash over the next few weeks

Never use:

• Petroleum jelly, nail polish, or alcohol to make the tick "back out" (doesn't work and gives the tick more time to transmit disease)
• Bare hands to remove ticks (some tick-borne diseases can infect humans)
• Heat or fire (dangerous and ineffective)

Tick Prevention

The best approach to ticks is prevention:

• Monthly tick prevention medication (many products prevent both fleas and ticks)
• Check your pet for ticks after walks, especially in wooded or grassy areas
• Keep your yard mowed and free of leaf litter
• Consider the Lyme vaccine if you live in or travel to high-risk areas

Heartworms: The Silent Killer

Heartworms are foot-long worms that live in the heart and lungs of infected dogs and cats. They're transmitted by mosquitoes, which makes them a year-round threat in Southern California.

How Heartworm Infection Happens

1. A mosquito bites an infected animal and picks up microscopic heartworm larvae (microfilariae)
2. The larvae mature inside the mosquito for 10-14 days
3. The mosquito bites your pet and deposits the larvae into the skin
4. The larvae migrate through your pet's tissues for about 6 months
5. They reach the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms
6. Adult worms reproduce, releasing more microfilariae into the bloodstream

By the time symptoms appear, dozens of worms may be living in your pet's heart.

Signs of Heartworm Disease

In dogs:

• Mild persistent cough
• Exercise intolerance or fatigue
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen belly (from fluid accumulation)
• Heart failure (in advanced cases)
• Sudden collapse or death

In cats:

• Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden death (cats are very sensitive to heartworms—even a few worms can be fatal)

Many cats with heartworm disease show no symptoms until they suddenly die. This is why prevention is absolutely critical.

Heartworm Testing and Prevention

Dr. Gurmani recommends annual heartworm testing for all dogs. The test requires just a few drops of blood and gives results in minutes.

Heartworm prevention options:

• Monthly oral tablets (many also prevent intestinal worms)
• Monthly topical treatments (applied to the skin)
• 6-month injectable (ProHeart 6, given at the vet clinic)

Cats should also receive monthly heartworm prevention, even indoor cats. Mosquitoes can get inside, and there's no safe treatment for heartworm disease in cats—prevention is the only option.

Heartworm Treatment

If your dog tests positive for heartworms, treatment is possible but expensive and risky. It involves:

• A series of injections to kill adult worms (uses an arsenic-based drug)
• Strict exercise restriction for months (dying worms can cause blood clots)
• Antibiotics to kill Wolbachia bacteria (live inside heartworms)
• Steroids to reduce inflammation
• Pain medication

Treatment can cost $1,000-$3,000 or more, depending on the severity of infection. And even with treatment, some dogs develop permanent heart or lung damage.

Prevention costs a fraction of treatment—about $10-15 per month for most dogs.

Intestinal Parasites: Common but Treatable

Intestinal worms are extremely common, especially in puppies and kittens. Many pets show no symptoms, which is why Dr. Gurmani recommends routine fecal testing.

Roundworms

Roundworms are long, white worms that look like spaghetti. They live in the small intestine and feed on partially digested food.

How pets get roundworms:

• Puppies can be infected before birth (larvae cross the placenta)
• Nursing puppies and kittens get roundworms from mother's milk
• Eating contaminated soil or feces
• Eating infected prey (rodents, birds)

Symptoms:

• Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)
• Diarrhea or vomiting (may see worms in vomit or stool)
• Dull coat
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Coughing (if larvae migrate to lungs)

Human health risk: Children can get roundworms by accidentally ingesting contaminated soil. This can cause serious health problems, including vision loss if larvae migrate to the eyes.

Hookworms

Hookworms are small worms with hook-like mouths that attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. They can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in puppies.

How pets get hookworms:

• Ingesting larvae from contaminated soil or feces
• Larvae penetrating the skin (can burrow through paw pads)
• Nursing from infected mother

Symptoms:

• Bloody or dark, tarry diarrhea
• Pale gums (anemia)
• Weakness and lethargy
• Weight loss
• Poor coat condition

Severe hookworm infections can kill puppies if not treated quickly.

Human health risk: Hookworm larvae can burrow into human skin (usually feet) and cause itchy, raised tracks called cutaneous larva migrans.

Whipworms

Whipworms are thin worms that burrow into the wall of the large intestine. They're more common in dogs than cats.

Symptoms:

• Chronic diarrhea (often mucus-covered or bloody)
• Weight loss
• Anemia in severe cases

Whipworm eggs can survive in soil for years, making reinfection common. Dogs who visit dog parks or have access to dirt areas are at higher risk.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are long, flat, segmented worms. They require an intermediate host—usually fleas or rodents—to complete their life cycle.

How pets get tapeworms:

• Swallowing infected fleas while grooming
• Eating infected rodents, rabbits, or birds

Symptoms:

• Rice-like segments in stool or around the anus
• Scooting (dragging rear end on ground)
• Excessive licking of rear end
• Most pets show no other symptoms

You may see tapeworm segments (called proglottids) that look like grains of rice stuck to your pet's rear end or in their bedding. These segments contain eggs and can move on their own.

Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic protozoan parasite that lives in the intestines. It's commonly found in contaminated water sources.

Symptoms:

• Soft, greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Many pets show no symptoms but can still spread the parasite

Giardia can be stubborn to treat and may require multiple rounds of medication. It can also infect humans, so good hygiene is essential.

Coccidia

Coccidia are microscopic parasites that infect the intestinal lining. They're especially common in puppies and kittens, particularly those from shelters or pet stores.

Symptoms:

• Watery diarrhea (may be bloody in severe cases)
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Most adult pets with healthy immune systems can fight off coccidia, but young or immunocompromised pets may need treatment.

Fecal Testing: The Best Way to Detect Intestinal Parasites

Many intestinal parasites don't cause obvious symptoms. The only way to know if your pet is infected is through fecal testing.

Dr. Gurmani recommends:

• Puppies and kittens: Fecal test at first visit, then again at 2-4 weeks later
• Adult dogs and cats: Annual fecal test
• Pets with diarrhea: Fecal test to identify the cause

Bring a fresh stool sample to your vet appointment. The sample should be less than 12 hours old and kept refrigerated if you can't bring it right away.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canals of cats and dogs. They're highly contagious and spread through direct contact.

Symptoms:

• Intense ear scratching
• Head shaking
• Dark, crumbly discharge in ears (looks like coffee grounds)
• Strong odor from ears
• Red, inflamed ear canals

Ear mites are more common in cats than dogs. Outdoor cats and cats from shelters are at higher risk.

Treatment involves cleaning the ears and applying medication to kill the mites. All pets in the household should be treated, even if they're not showing symptoms.

Mange (Mites)

There are two types of mange:

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)

Sarcoptic mange is caused by mites that burrow into the skin. It's extremely itchy and highly contagious to other pets and humans.

Symptoms:

• Intense itching (worse than flea allergy)
• Red, inflamed skin
• Hair loss, especially on ears, elbows, and hocks
• Thick, crusty skin
• Secondary skin infections from scratching

Sarcoptic mange spreads quickly in places where dogs congregate—boarding kennels, grooming facilities, dog parks.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by mites that normally live in small numbers in hair follicles. In healthy pets, the immune system keeps these mites under control. But in puppies, immunocompromised pets, or certain breeds, the mites multiply out of control.

Symptoms:

• Patchy hair loss (often around eyes and muzzle first)
• Red, scaly skin
• Usually not itchy (unless there's a secondary infection)

There are two forms:

• Localized: A few patches, usually resolves on its own in puppies
• Generalized: Widespread hair loss, requires aggressive treatment

Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not contagious to other pets or humans.

Comprehensive Parasite Prevention Plan

At Topanga Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Gurmani creates customized parasite prevention plans based on your pet's lifestyle, age, and risk factors.

Year-round protection should include:

1. Flea and tick prevention

• Monthly topical or oral medication
• Popular options include Frontline Plus, Advantage Multi, Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica
• Choose based on your pet's species, age, weight, and lifestyle

2. Heartworm prevention

• Monthly medication (Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Plus, Revolution Plus)
• Or 6-month injectable (ProHeart 6)
• Many products protect against heartworms AND intestinal worms

3. Intestinal parasite control

• Many heartworm preventives also prevent roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms
• Quarterly deworming for pets at high risk (outdoor cats, dogs that visit dog parks)
• Annual fecal testing

4. Environmental management

• Pick up pet waste immediately (prevents spread of parasites)
• Keep yard clean and grass mowed
• Prevent access to wildlife and rodents
• Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water

5. Regular vet visits

• Annual exam with fecal testing
• Heartworm test for dogs every 12 months
• Discuss parasite risks based on your pet's lifestyle

Special Considerations for Chatsworth Pets

Living in Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley comes with specific parasite risks:

Year-round warm weather means fleas and ticks never go dormant. Don't skip preventive medication in winter.

Proximity to open spaces like the Santa Monica Mountains means exposure to wildlife that carry parasites—coyotes, raccoons, opossums.

Dog parks and hiking trails are common sources of parasites. Always use prevention if your dog frequents these areas.

Mosquitoes are active most of the year, making heartworm prevention critical even for indoor pets.

Can I Use Over-the-Counter Parasite Products?

While over-the-counter flea and tick products are available at pet stores, Dr. Gurmani strongly recommends prescription products for several reasons:

Effectiveness: Prescription products are more effective and longer-lasting. Many over-the-counter products don't work at all.

Safety: Some OTC products contain ingredients that can be toxic, especially to cats. Prescription products have been rigorously tested.

Resistance: Fleas and ticks have developed resistance to some OTC ingredients. Prescription products use newer, more effective compounds.

Comprehensive protection: Many prescription products prevent multiple parasites with one dose—fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.

Veterinary guidance: Your vet can recommend the best product for your specific pet and answer questions about proper use.

What If My Pet Has Parasites?

If you suspect your pet has parasites, call Topanga Veterinary Clinic at (818) 280-3530.

During your appointment, Dr. Gurmani will:

• Perform a thorough physical exam
• Check for external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites)
• Examine ears for ear mites
• Perform or recommend a fecal test
• Test for heartworms if your dog isn't on prevention
• Prescribe appropriate treatment
• Recommend prevention to avoid reinfection

Most parasite infections are easily treated when caught early. Don't wait—the longer you wait, the more severe the infection becomes.

Protecting Your Family from Zoonotic Parasites

Several pet parasites can infect humans, especially children. Protect your family by:

• Washing hands after handling pets, especially before eating
• Keeping sandboxes covered when not in use (cats may use them as litter boxes)
• Not letting children play in areas where pets defecate
• Picking up pet waste immediately
• Keeping pets on parasite prevention
• Having pets tested regularly for intestinal parasites
• Teaching children not to put dirt or objects from outside in their mouths
• Wearing shoes outside (prevents hookworm larvae from penetrating skin)

Cost of Parasite Prevention vs. Treatment

Prevention is always less expensive than treatment:

Prevention costs (approximate monthly costs):

• Flea/tick prevention: $15-30 per month
• Heartworm prevention: $10-20 per month
• Combination products: $20-40 per month
• Annual fecal test: Varies by clinic—call for pricing

Treatment costs can include:

• Heartworm treatment: $1,000-$3,000+
• Severe flea infestation (pet + home treatment): $200-500+
• Tick-borne disease treatment: $200-1,000+
• Treatment for severe intestinal parasites: $100-300+
• Treatment for anemia from hookworms: $300-1,000+

Many parasite-related complications—heart damage from heartworms, kidney damage from Lyme disease, severe anemia from hookworms—can cause permanent health problems that require lifelong management.

For pricing details, call Topanga Veterinary Clinic at (818) 280-3530.

Why Choose Topanga Veterinary Clinic for Parasite Prevention?

Dr. Gurmani has 19 years of experience helping Chatsworth pets stay parasite-free. At Topanga Veterinary Clinic, we offer:

• Customized prevention plans based on your pet's specific needs and lifestyle
• In-house testing for quick results (heartworm tests, fecal tests)
• Extended hours Tuesday-Friday 9am-11:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-midnight
• Weekend availability when most other vets are closed
• Affordable, transparent pricing—call for a quote
• Education and support to help you keep your pet parasite-free year-round

Located at 21913 Devonshire St in Chatsworth, we serve pets throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Winnetka, Northridge, Canoga Park, and Topanga.

Learn more about our affordable veterinary care options in Chatsworth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Parasites

Q: How often should my pet be on flea and tick prevention?

A: Year-round, every month, without skipping. Chatsworth's warm climate means fleas and ticks are active 365 days a year. Even in winter, parasites can survive and infest your pet.

Q: My pet is indoor-only. Do they still need parasite prevention?

A: Yes. Fleas can hitchhike into your home on your clothing or shoes. Mosquitoes can get inside and transmit heartworm disease. And indoor cats can escape or encounter other animals. Prevention is essential for all pets.

Q: Can I use the same flea product on my dog and cat?

A: Never. Many dog flea products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats. Always use products specifically labeled for your pet's species, and keep dogs and cats separated until the product dries.

Q: How long does it take for flea medication to work?

A: Most modern flea medications start killing fleas within hours. However, you may continue to see fleas for several weeks because flea eggs in your environment are continuing to hatch. Consistent monthly use will eventually eliminate the infestation.

Q: I found a tick on my dog. Should I bring it to the vet?

A: You can remove the tick yourself if you're comfortable doing so (use fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight up without twisting). You don't need to bring the tick to the vet, but watch your dog for signs of illness over the next few weeks. If your dog develops fever, lethargy, or lameness, call us immediately.

Q: My puppy has roundworms. How did he get them?

A: Most puppies are born with roundworms or get them from their mother's milk. This is normal and expected. That's why we deworm all puppies multiple times during their first few months of life.

Q: Can I see worms in my pet's stool?

A: Sometimes. You might see roundworms (look like spaghetti), tapeworm segments (look like rice grains), or other worms. But many intestinal parasites are microscopic or don't shed eggs consistently, so a normal-looking stool doesn't mean your pet is parasite-free. Fecal testing is the only reliable way to check.

Q: How often should my pet have a fecal test?

A: At least once a year for adult pets, more frequently for puppies and kittens. Pets with diarrhea should have a fecal test to identify the cause. High-risk pets (those who go to dog parks, eat wildlife, or have outdoor access) may benefit from testing twice a year.

Q: Is heartworm treatment dangerous?

A: Heartworm treatment carries some risk because dying worms can cause blood clots. That's why strict exercise restriction is essential during treatment. However, the risk of treatment is much lower than the risk of leaving heartworm disease untreated. Prevention is by far the safest option.

Q: Do indoor cats need heartworm prevention?

A: Yes. Studies show that about 25-30% of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease are indoor-only cats. Mosquitoes can easily get inside your home. And there's no safe treatment for heartworm disease in cats—prevention is the only option.

Q: My dog is on flea prevention but I still see fleas. Why?

A: You may be seeing newly hatched fleas from eggs in your environment before they die from the medication. Or the product may not be working effectively—some older products have developed resistance. Switch to a prescription product recommended by Dr. Gurmani, and treat your home and yard simultaneously.

Q: Can my child get worms from our pet?

A: Yes, roundworms and hookworms can infect humans, especially children. Children can accidentally ingest roundworm eggs from contaminated soil or surfaces. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin. Keep your pet on deworming medication, have annual fecal tests, pick up waste immediately, and teach children to wash hands after playing outside or handling pets.

Q: What's the difference between over-the-counter and prescription flea medication?

A: Prescription products are more effective, longer-lasting, and safer. Many over-the-counter products use older ingredients that fleas have developed resistance to. Prescription products are rigorously tested and often provide broader protection (fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms). Dr. Gurmani can recommend the best option for your pet.

Q: How long do I need to treat my home for fleas?

A: Flea eggs can remain dormant in carpets and furniture for months. Continue treating your pet monthly and vacuum your home regularly for at least 3 months to break the flea life cycle completely.

Q: Can parasites cause weight loss in my pet?

A: Yes. Intestinal parasites feed on your pet's food or blood, which can cause weight loss despite a normal appetite. Severe parasite infections can also cause poor nutrient absorption. If your pet is losing weight, call us for an examination and fecal test.

Q: My cat has tapeworms. How do I prevent them?

A: The best way to prevent tapeworms is to prevent fleas, since most tapeworms are transmitted when pets swallow infected fleas while grooming. Keep your cat on monthly flea prevention. If your cat hunts, preventing tapeworms is more difficult—keep your cat indoors if possible.

Q: Are natural/herbal parasite remedies effective?

A: No. Natural remedies like garlic, essential oils, or herbal supplements have not been proven effective against parasites in scientific studies. Some can even be toxic to pets. Stick with vet-recommended prescription products that have been proven safe and effective.

Q: Can I skip heartworm prevention in winter?

A: No. In Southern California, mosquitoes are active year-round. And if you skip even one month, your pet loses protection and could become infected. Year-round prevention is essential. Many products also prevent intestinal worms, so skipping months means your pet isn't protected from those either.

Q: My dog got a tick while hiking. Does he need a Lyme vaccine?

A: The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs who live in or frequently travel to areas where Lyme disease is common (Northeast, Upper Midwest, Northern California). In Chatsworth, Lyme disease is less common but still possible. Discuss your dog's risk factors with Dr. Gurmani. Monthly tick prevention is essential regardless of vaccination status.

Q: How do I know if my pet's scratching is from fleas or allergies?

A: It can be difficult to tell without an exam. Look for flea dirt (black specks in the fur), actual fleas, or scratching concentrated at the base of the tail. But many dogs with flea allergy dermatitis are allergic to flea saliva, so even a few fleas can cause intense itching. Bring your pet to Topanga Veterinary Clinic for an examination to determine the cause.

Q: Can my pet get re-infected with parasites after treatment?

A: Yes. Treatment kills the current parasites, but it doesn't prevent reinfection. Your pet can get parasites again from the environment, other animals, or prey. That's why ongoing prevention is essential—it breaks the cycle and keeps your pet parasite-free long-term.

Q: What should I do if I think my pet has mange?

A: Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic at (818) 280-3530 for an appointment. Mange requires diagnosis with a skin scraping to identify the type of mite and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Don't attempt to treat mange at home with over-the-counter products—they're usually ineffective and can make the condition worse.

Q: Are certain dog breeds more prone to parasites?

A: All breeds can get parasites. However, dogs with thick coats (Golden Retrievers, Huskies) may hide flea infestations longer. Breeds with skin folds (Bulldogs, Shar-Peis) can be more prone to skin infections secondary to flea bites. And certain breeds (Collies, Australian Shepherds) may have sensitivity to some parasite medications due to the MDR1 gene mutation.

Q: Can parasites cause diarrhea in my pet?

A: Yes. Intestinal parasites are a common cause of diarrhea, especially in puppies and kittens. Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia can all cause diarrhea. If your pet has diarrhea, bring a fresh stool sample to your vet appointment for testing.

Q: Is it safe to use flea medication on pregnant or nursing pets?

A: Some flea and tick products are safe for pregnant or nursing pets, but not all. Always consult Dr. Gurmani before using any medication on a pregnant or nursing pet. We can recommend products that are proven safe for these situations.

Q: My pet had roundworms as a puppy. Will they come back?

A: Not necessarily. If your pet was properly dewormed as a puppy and is now on a heartworm preventive that also protects against roundworms, they're unlikely to have roundworms again unless re-exposed. Annual fecal testing ensures any new infections are caught early.

Q: Can I use flea medication on very young puppies or kittens?

A: It depends on the product and the age of the puppy or kitten. Some flea medications are safe for pets as young as 6-8 weeks old. Others require the pet to be older. Never use a flea product without checking the label for age restrictions, and always consult Dr. Gurmani before treating young pets.

Q: How do I prevent my outdoor cat from getting parasites?

A: Outdoor cats are at much higher risk for parasites. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors. If that's not possible, use monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, have fecal tests done twice a year, and watch for signs of illness. Outdoor cats are also at risk for other dangers like cars, predators, and infectious diseases.

Q: What's the best way to dispose of pet waste to prevent parasites?

A: Pick up waste immediately and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. Don't leave waste in the yard where parasite eggs can accumulate in the soil. Don't compost pet waste—the heat doesn't always kill parasite eggs. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling waste.

Take Action Today

Don't wait until your pet has parasites to take action. Prevention is simple, affordable, and far better than dealing with an infestation or infection.

Call Topanga Veterinary Clinic today at (818) 280-3530 to:

• Schedule a wellness exam with fecal and heartworm testing
• Get your pet started on year-round parasite prevention
• Discuss the best prevention plan for your pet's lifestyle
• Get treatment if your pet already has parasites

With Dr. Gurmani's 19 years of experience and Topanga Veterinary Clinic's extended hours—open until 11:30pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends—protecting your pet from parasites has never been easier.

Your pet depends on you to keep them safe from parasites. Make prevention a priority today.