Heartworm Disease in Dogs
What causes heartworm disease? Heartworm disease, or dirofilariasis, is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Adult heartworms are found in the heart, pulmonary artery (one of the big blood vessels from the heart), and adjacent large blood vessels of infected dogs. Rarely, worms may […]
Ticks in Dogs
What are ticks? Although ticks are commonly thought of as insects, they are actually arachnids similar to scorpions, spiders, and mites. All adult ticks have eight legs and have no antennae. Adult insects, by comparison, have six legs and one pair of antennae. Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which […]
Flea Control in Dogs
How can my dog get fleas? Fleas can spread directly from a flea-infested animal to your dog, but usually dogs get fleas from their environment. Fleas live, feed, and mate on many animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, opossums, rodents, and raccoons. Flea eggs fall off these animals, into the environment, where they hatch into […]
Ticks in Dogs
Health Risks, Tick-Borne Diseases, and Why Prevention Matters Ticks are one of the most important disease-carrying parasites affecting dogs in the Northeastern United States. They are common, persistent, and increasingly active for much of the year due to mild winters and changing weather patterns. Ticks don’t just cause irritation—they can transmit serious, sometimes long-lasting diseases. […]
Fleas in Dogs
Health Risks, Diseases, and Why Prevention Matters for Pets and People Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting dogs in the Northeastern United States. While they’re small, fleas can cause significant discomfort, skin disease, and even transmit infections to both dogs and humans. Fleas reproduce quickly and are excellent hitchhikers, which means an […]
External (Skin) Parasites in Dogs
What Dog Owners Should Know Fleas and ticks are common year-round parasites in the Northeast. Even dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed—through walks, yards, other pets, or people bringing parasites inside on clothing. Preventing fleas and ticks is not just about comfort. These parasites can cause skin disease, anemia, and […]
Intestinal Parasites in Dogs
What Dog Owners in the Northeast Should Know Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs, especially puppies. Many dogs with parasites look completely normal, which is why routine stool (fecal) testing, proper treatment, and ongoing prevention are such an important part of veterinary care. Our goal is simple: keep your dog healthy and help protect […]
Tapeworms
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) Why they matter: Common and often noticed as “rice-like” segments near the rear end or in stool. How dogs get them: Common signs: Usually mild; scooting, itchy rear, visible segments. Diagnosis: Often based on seeing segments; fecal tests may miss them. Treatment & prevention: A specific dewormer is needed, plus […]
Coccidia
Coccidia (Cystoisospora/Isospora spp.) Why it matters: Common in puppies; can cause significant diarrhea in young dogs. How dogs get it: Ingesting oocysts from contaminated feces or environments; exposure risk increases with group housing. Common signs: Watery diarrhea, sometimes with mucus, decreased appetite; adults may carry without illness. Diagnosis: Fecal testing. Treatment & prevention: Treatment is […]
Giardia
Giardia (Giardia duodenalis) Why it matters: Very common cause of diarrhea, especially in puppies and dogs exposed to other dogs or surface water. How dogs get it: Drinking contaminated water, licking contaminated paws/fur, or exposure to infected feces. Common signs: Soft stool/diarrhea (often intermittent), foul odor, gas, weight loss, or no signs. Diagnosis: Fecal antigen […]