Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Dogs…Should You Be Worried?

Common Intestinal Parasites Keeping your pets healthy requires consideration of what may be happening inside. Intestinal parasites are commonly seen on routine fecal tests. While many patients have clinical signs of gastrointestinal upset, other parasitic infections can be sub-clinical. We are fortunate in beautiful Bellingham that many internal and external parasites are less common than other areas of the state and country, including heartworm disease and many tick-borne diseases. However, we see a large number of internal parasites that are easily preventable. Regular parasite control is important, particularly since several parasites are potential sources of zoonosis, causing disease in humans. … Read more »

Heartworm in WA?

***Note our recommendations changed as of April 2021…https://fairhavenvet.com/heartworm-in-wa-update-testing-now-recommended/*** What is heartworm? Are pets at risk for heartworm disease in western Washington? How do I protect my pet from contracting this serious parasitic infection? These are important questions asked by clients new to the area or those travelling with their pets on vacation. What is heartworm? According to the FDA website on animal diseases, “Heartworm is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms … Read more »