Pet Parasite Control in Hilliard, OH
At Hilliard Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive pet parasite control services for dogs and cats in Hilliard, Ohio, and the surrounding Columbus metro area. Parasites are one of the most common health threats pets face—but with the right prevention plan in place, many can be effectively prevented or managed with the right prevention plan.
Year-Round Protection for Your Pet
Parasites don’t take a season off, and neither does our commitment to keeping your pet protected. From intestinal worms and fleas to ticks and heartworm, the risks to your dog or cat are real and ongoing. The good news is that with consistent prevention and routine monitoring, we can stay well ahead of these threats together.
At Hilliard Veterinary Hospital, we take a proactive, individualized approach to flea and tick control and broader parasite prevention—building a plan that fits your pet’s lifestyle, risk factors, and life stage, alongside other key forms of preventative care like vaccinations and microchipping.
Types of Parasites We Treat & Prevent
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are among the most common health issues we see in puppies and kittens, though adult pets remain at risk throughout their lives. The most frequently encountered intestinal parasites in dogs and cats include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Microorganisms such as coccidia and Giardia can also affect pets of any age.
Many of these parasites are transmissible to people, making prevention and early treatment important not just for your pet’s health, but for your family’s as well.
We recommend having at least two stool samples evaluated during your puppy or kitten’s first year, followed by annual fecal exams throughout adulthood as part of their routine wellness care. It’s worth noting that a negative fecal result doesn’t always rule out infection—parasite eggs are shed intermittently, which means routine monitoring is essential. All puppies and kittens should be routinely dewormed as a standard precaution.
Fleas & Ticks
A flea problem on your pet quickly becomes a flea problem in your home. Fleas reproduce rapidly and can be difficult to eliminate once they’ve established themselves in your environment—which is why prevention is the most effective approach.
We offer safe, effective flea prevention and treatment options tailored to your pet, and our team is happy to walk you through the best approach for your situation. Ticks pose their own set of risks, including the transmission of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Year-round flea and tick control is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet from these preventable threats.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is a serious, potentially fatal disease caused by parasitic worms that take up residence in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected dogs. Dogs become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito—which means even indoor dogs with no contact with other animals are at risk.
At Hilliard Veterinary Hospital, we follow the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society, which advises annual heartworm testing and year-round preventative medication for all canine patients. With our in-house testing capabilities, we can determine within minutes whether your dog is infected and begin appropriate next steps. We recommend monthly heartworm prevention for the life of your companion—no gaps, no exceptions.
Our Approach to Parasite Prevention
Effective parasite control starts with understanding your pet’s individual risk. During your visit, our team will assess your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and health history to recommend the most appropriate prevention protocol. Whether your dog spends time outdoors on trails, your cat ventures outside, or your pet is strictly indoors, we’ll help you build a plan that fits.
We carry a current selection of safe, veterinarian-recommended preventatives and are happy to answer any questions about the products we use and why we recommend them.
Why Parasite Prevention Can’t Wait
Parasites rarely announce themselves. Many pets carry intestinal parasites without showing obvious symptoms, and by the time heartworm disease becomes clinically apparent, significant damage may already have occurred. Consistent, year-round prevention is the most reliable way to protect your pet—and the people in your household—from the risks parasites carry.
Key reasons to stay current on parasite control:
- Many intestinal parasites are transmissible to humans, including children
- Flea infestations can escalate quickly and are difficult to fully eliminate without treatment
- Heartworm disease can be fatal and is far easier—and less costly—to prevent than to treat
- Even indoor pets face meaningful exposure risks
- Early detection through routine fecal exams and heartworm testing helps guide timely treatment decisions
Trusted Parasite Care for Hilliard Pets
Our team stays current on the latest guidelines from the American Heartworm Society and other leading veterinary health organizations to ensure our prevention recommendations reflect the best available evidence. Combined with our on-site diagnostic capabilities and decades of experience caring for dogs and cats in the Columbus area, we’re well equipped to keep your pet protected year-round.
Pet Parasite Control FAQs
How often should my pet be tested for heartworm?
We recommend annual heartworm testing for all dogs, even those on year-round prevention. Testing ensures that prevention is working as expected and allows us to catch any infection early.
Does my indoor pet need parasite prevention?
Yes. Indoor pets can still be exposed to parasites through contact with other animals, items brought in from outside, or simply through open doors and windows. Mosquitoes—the vector for heartworm—can easily enter the home.
How do I know if my pet has intestinal parasites?
Many pets with intestinal parasites show no outward symptoms, which is why routine fecal exams are so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or a distended abdomen—particularly in young animals.
Are the preventatives you recommend safe?
Yes. We only recommend products that have been rigorously tested and approved for use in pets. Our team will help you choose the right option based on your pet’s species, size, age, and health status.
My pet is already on a flea preventative from the pet store—is that enough?
Over-the-counter products vary widely in their effectiveness. We’re happy to review what you’re currently using and let you know whether it provides adequate protection—or whether a veterinarian-recommended alternative may be more appropriate for your pet.
Can my family get parasites from our pet?
Some intestinal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted from pets to people. This is one of the most important reasons to keep your pet current on parasite prevention and to conduct routine fecal screenings.
Prevention Is the Most Powerful Form of Care
Parasite control is a year-round commitment—and one of the most impactful things you can do to protect your pet’s health and your family’s well-being. At Hilliard Veterinary Hospital, we make it easy with personalized prevention plans, in-house diagnostic testing, and a team that genuinely cares about keeping your dog or cat safe. Pet owners across the Hilliard area and greater Columbus region trust us to provide the guidance and products they need to stay one step ahead.
Veterinary Services
Pet Wellness Exams
Pet Parasite Control
Pet Laboratory Testing
Pet Soft Tissue Surgery