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Pet Parasite Control

At Foland Veterinary Services, we provide comprehensive parasite prevention, screening, and treatment for dogs and cats in Weatherford, TX, helping your pets stay safe from one of the most common—and most preventable—threats to their health.

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Why Parasite Control Is Essential for Texas Pets

Texas’s warm climate and varied landscape make it an ideal environment for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites to thrive—and Parker County is no exception. Unlike some regions where parasite pressure eases in colder months, pets in the Weatherford area can be at risk throughout much of the year. That makes consistent, veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention not just a good idea—it’s a critical part of keeping your pet healthy, which is why we include this care as part of routine wellness exams alongside other key preventative care like vaccines.

Many parasites don’t just affect your pet. Some—including certain intestinal worms and tick-borne diseases—can also pose risks to the people in your household. Protecting your pet from parasites is one of the most important things you can do for the well-being of your entire family.

Our Approach to Pet Parasite Control

At Foland Veterinary Services, parasite control is built into every pet’s preventive care plan. We don’t take a generic approach—we assess your pet’s individual lifestyle, environment, and risk factors using in-house diagnostics to recommend the prevention and screening protocols that make the most sense for them. Whether your dog spends time hiking trails, visiting dog parks, or simply spending time outdoors in the backyard, we’ll make sure their protection is matched to their real-world exposure.

Parasite Screening & Prevention Services

Heartworm Disease Screening

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Annual heartworm disease testing ensures your furry friend is free from this deadly disease. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause severe, life-threatening damage to your pet's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Because heartworm disease is far easier—and far less expensive—to prevent than to treat, we strongly recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs and cats in our area.

Tick-Borne Disease Screening

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We also screen dogs annually for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis—dangerous diseases that are transmitted by ticks. Ticks are prevalent throughout Parker County and surrounding areas, and the diseases they carry can cause serious illness in both pets and people. Early detection through annual screening gives us the best chance to treat these conditions effectively before they cause lasting damage.

Flea & Tick Prevention

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We will recommend heartworm, flea, and tick preventives that best fit your pet's needs to protect them from heartworm disease and tick-borne illnesses. There are many prevention products available, and not all are created equal—our veterinarians will help you choose a safe, effective option that fits your pet's lifestyle and your preferences as an owner.

Fecal Parasite Screening

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Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia can debilitate your pet by depleting nutrients and causing vomiting and diarrhea. Many of these parasites are invisible to the naked eye, which means your pet can be affected without any obvious outward signs. We recommend routine fecal screenings to catch and treat intestinal parasites before they take a significant toll on your pet's health.

Common Pet Parasites in the Weatherford Area

Understanding what your pet is up against is the first step in keeping them protected. Here’s a closer look at the parasites we most commonly see in our region:
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Heartworms

Spread by mosquito bites, heartworms are a serious and potentially fatal threat to dogs—and, to a lesser extent, cats. Adult heartworms live in the heart and major blood vessels, causing progressive damage over time. Prevention is simple and highly effective; treatment in dogs is lengthy, costly, and hard on the body.

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Fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasite affecting pets and can cause significant discomfort, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. A single flea can lay hundreds of eggs, meaning an infestation can escalate quickly. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, adding an internal parasite concern to the mix.

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Ticks

Ticks attach to your pet during outdoor activity and can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Even pets that don’t spend extended time outdoors can pick up ticks in the yard. Consistent tick prevention and regular tick checks after outdoor time are both important protective measures.

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Intestinal Parasites

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia are among the most common intestinal parasites we see in dogs and cats. Pets can become infected through contaminated soil, water, feces, or prey animals. Some of these parasites—particularly roundworms and hookworms—can also infect humans, making prompt diagnosis and treatment especially important for households with children.

Pet Parasite Control FAQs

Does my indoor pet need parasite prevention?

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Yes. Even pets that spend the majority of their time indoors can be exposed to parasites through brief outdoor trips, contact with other animals, or parasites brought inside on clothing and shoes. We recommend year-round prevention for both indoor and outdoor pets.

How often should my pet be tested for heartworms?

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We recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs, even those on year-round prevention. No prevention product is 100% guaranteed, and annual testing ensures we catch any infection as early as possible. We also recommend discussing heartworm prevention options for cats with your veterinarian.

What are the signs that my pet has intestinal parasites?

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Some pets with intestinal parasites show obvious signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, or visible worms in their stool. Others may show no symptoms at all—which is why routine fecal screenings are so valuable. Don't wait for symptoms to have your pet tested.

Can I use over-the-counter parasite prevention products?

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Some over-the-counter products can provide a degree of protection, but many are less effective—and some can even be harmful—compared to veterinarian-recommended options. Our team can help you choose a product that's both safe and appropriately effective for your pet's specific needs and risk level.

My pet is already on prevention. Why do they still need annual testing?

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Prevention products significantly reduce risk, but annual screening for heartworm and tick-borne diseases allows us to verify that your pet's protocol is working and catch anything that may have slipped through. It's a simple, important safeguard.

How are intestinal parasites treated?

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Treatment depends on the specific parasite identified. Most intestinal parasites are treated with prescription dewormers, and some conditions may require additional supportive care. Prompt treatment is important to protect your pet's health and prevent the spread of parasites to other animals or people in the household.

Year-Round Protection for a Healthier Pet

Parasite control isn’t a once-a-year conversation—it’s an ongoing commitment to your pet’s health and comfort. At Foland Veterinary Services, our parasite prevention recommendations are always tailored to your individual pet, grounded in the specific risks that come with living in North Texas. Paired with routine wellness exams and laboratory testing, a consistent parasite control plan is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog or cat feeling their best throughout every season. Our team is proud to support pet families across the greater Weatherford area with the practical, honest guidance they need to keep their animals protected.

Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Spaying & Neutering
Parasite Control
Dental Care
Laboratory Testing
X-Rays & Ultrasound
Emergency Care
Soft Tissue Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Pet Boarding
Pet Euthanasia