Parasite prevention is an important part of maintaining overall health, but it does not always need to follow a one-size-fits-all model. A testing-based approach allows care to be adjusted to each individual dog in support of a low-toxicity lifestyle.
Annual Testing
Heartworm and fecal testing are recommended for all adult dogs. This is important enough that it is required as part of our basic health database. Regular testing allows us to monitor each patient over time and identify infections early, so treatment can be used when it is truly needed. At many clinics, the standard approach includes routine testing along with monthly medications for fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. In our practice, we focus on testing first and using treatment when appropriate, rather than administering medications to every patient on a routine basis.
Fleas and Ticks
Many dogs go years without needing flea or tick prevention. Risk varies depending on factors such as yard, lifestyle, travel, and contact with other animals. This can also be diet and health status dependent, as fleas are often less attracted to dogs who eat a raw diet rather than kibble, and they tend to target pets that are debilitated or unwell. For a few fleas or low-level exposure, washing bedding and vacuuming thoroughly to remove flea eggs from the environment can often be effective. Diluted essential oil products formulated for pets and sourced from reputable pet stores may also be used when appropriate. We are now collaborating with an expert in essential oils to carry effective pet-safe products at the clinic as well.
Ticks are relatively uncommon in our area, though they can carry significant infections. While Lyme disease is not typically seen here, organisms such as Anaplasma and Ehrlichia are present. We tend to see a small number of tick-borne infections each year. Essential oil products may also be used as repellents when appropriate.
Heartworm
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. It was once considered a minimal concern in this area, though cases have gradually increased over time. Standard recommendations often include testing once or twice per year along with monthly preventive medications. At this time, all dogs in our practice are tested annually, and preventive medication is recommended for those with higher exposure, such as dogs living in mosquito-heavy environments or traveling to high-risk areas. Dogs with heartworm may not show obvious symptoms until the disease is more advanced, and treatment can be costly and unpleasant, which is why prevention remains important. At the same time, in an effort to keep drug exposure low, many patients are not placed on routine monthly prevention. Ongoing testing allows us to monitor trends, and recommendations may change if local case numbers increase.
Fecal Testing
Fecal testing screens for a range of intestinal parasites. Of the parasites commonly tested for, only tapeworms can be seen with the naked eye. The rest are identified by detecting microscopic eggs or small amounts of antigen. These parasites are important to monitor because pets may not show symptoms, yet they can still spread infection to other animals or people. Positive fecal tests are seen in about half of puppies and about one quarter of adult dogs. Giardia, which can be transmitted through wildlife, is common and may be present in dogs with normal stools as well as those with diarrhea. It also has the potential to affect human health. Since routine monthly dewormers are not used for most patients, annual fecal testing becomes especially important for protecting both animal and human health.
A Low-Toxicity Approach
Relatively inexpensive diagnostic testing is key to maintaining a low-toxicity lifestyle. By relying on testing, treatment can be used when truly indicated, rather than given routinely. Our approach allows parasite prevention to be tailored to each dog, based on individual risk and long-term health.
