Flea, Tick and Heartworm Prevention for Pets in Amherst, NS

Parasites are one of the most common health threats we talk about with pet owners in Cumberland County. Fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites can all affect dogs and cats, and some of them can lead to serious illness. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented. At Cumberland County Animal Hospital in Amherst, Nova Scotia, parasite control is a core part of the preventive care we provide.

The parasites we help protect your pet from

• Fleas
• Ticks, which are very common in Nova Scotia and can carry Lyme disease
• Heartworm
• Intestinal parasites, such as intestinal worms

Outdoor cats face extra exposure. Cats who spend time outside are more prone to pests like fleas, ticks and ear mites. If you are weighing the pros and cons, our post on indoor vs. outdoor cats can help.

Ticks and Lyme disease in Nova Scotia

Ticks are very common in Nova Scotia, and we see many Lyme-positive dogs at our hospital. Our recommendation is simple:

• Keep your dog on flea and tick prevention all year round, not just in the warmer months.
• Talk to us about vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease.

With the right protection in place, we can keep pets safe and healthy. This topic is personal for our own Dr. Mike, who has personal experience with Lyme disease. You can hear him talk about his journey as a veterinarian and his experience with Lyme in his Looking at Lyme podcast interview. For more on the Lyme vaccine, see our guide to dog and cat vaccines.

Why year-round prevention matters

It is tempting to stop flea and tick prevention once the weather cools down. We recommend keeping dogs protected all year instead. Consistent prevention means there are no gaps in your pet's protection.

Prevention also matters for other parts of your pet's life. Many groomers ask for proof that your dog is on flea and parasite medication to keep their facility safe for every pet. Regular grooming can also help keep pests like ticks at bay. Read more in our post on dog grooming.

Parasite screening at our in-house lab

Some parasites are easy to spot. Others are not. Our in-house laboratory lets us run parasite screening and fecal exams right at the hospital, so we can find problems and start treatment without delay. When skin or ear problems are part of the picture, ear and skin cytology can help us see what is going on. Learn more about our diagnostic services.

A prevention plan built for your pet

Every pet's risk is different. A dog who hikes the trails around Cumberland County faces different risks than a cat who stays indoors. During your pet's wellness exam, we review parasite prevention along with vaccines, nutrition and overall health, and recommend a plan that fits your pet's lifestyle. Our post on what happens at a wellness exam explains the full visit.

Keeping up with prevention is easier when refills are simple. Through our Pet Portal, you can request medication refills, check vaccination due dates and keep your contact information up to date.

Parasite care for kittens in our community

Parasite treatment is also part of our community work. Through our Mama Cat and Kitten Program, kittens receive spay and neuter surgeries, parasite treatments and vaccinations before they are adopted out to loving families. Learn more on our services page.

Common questions about flea, tick and heartworm prevention

Does my dog need flea and tick prevention in the winter?

We recommend keeping dogs on flea and tick prevention year round, not just in the warmer months. Ticks are very common in Nova Scotia.

Should my dog get the Lyme vaccine?

We recommend talking to us about vaccinating your dog for Lyme. Along with year-round tick prevention, it helps protect dogs from Lyme disease.

Can you test my pet for parasites at the clinic?

Yes. Our in-house laboratory offers parasite screening and fecal exams, so we can get results quickly and start treatment sooner.

How do I refill my pet's parasite prevention?

You can request medication refills through our Pet Portal, or call the hospital at (902) 612-2520.

Protect your pet from parasites

Cumberland County Animal Hospital is located at 16 Ancestral Drive in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. To talk about flea, tick and heartworm prevention for your dog or cat, book an appointment or call (902) 612-2520. You can also read about our vaccination and preventive care services.