Parasite Screening & Prevention
Parasites may be small, but they can cause big problems for your pet’s health. At PetMedic, we provide thorough parasite screening in Alexandria, VA, and Portsmouth, NH, along with prevention plans designed to keep your pet safe year-round.
What is parasite screening and prevention?
Parasite screening involves testing your pet for common internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms. These tests are often performed during routine wellness exams and are vital to detecting hidden infections that could harm your pet. Prevention includes safe, veterinary-recommended medications to stop parasites before they cause illness.
Why parasite screening matters
Unchecked parasites can lead to serious health issues for pets — and sometimes even people.
Heartworms can cause life-threatening heart and lung damage.
Intestinal worms may cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or malnutrition.
Zoonotic parasites (those that can spread to humans) pose risks for families, especially children.
Preventable illnesses can become expensive to treat if not caught early.
By scheduling parasite screening in Portsmouth, NH, or Alexandria, VA, you’re protecting your pet’s health and your household.
What to expect during a parasite screening appointment
When you visit PetMedic for parasite care, you can expect:
- A physical exam and discussion of your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors
- Laboratory testing of stool samples to detect intestinal worms
- Bloodwork to check for heartworm disease
- Recommendations for year-round parasite prevention, including oral or topical medications
- Tips for at-home monitoring and environmental control to reduce exposure
From intestinal worms to heartworms and external parasites, our goal is to protect your pet before issues arise.
Benefits of parasite screening and prevention
- Detects infections early, often before symptoms appear
- Prevents the spread of parasites to other pets and people
- Saves on costly treatments by stopping problems before they start
- Supports your pet’s overall wellness, comfort, and longevity
Our expertise in parasite care
At PetMedic, our veterinarians follow the latest guidelines from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) to provide accurate testing and effective prevention. We tailor parasite protocols to each pet, based on lifestyle and regional risks.
With extended hours and same-day appointments in Alexandria and Portsmouth, our clinics make it easy to keep your pet safe from parasites year-round.
FAQs about parasite screening
How often should my pet be screened for parasites?
Most pets should have annual screenings, though puppies, kittens, and outdoor pets may need more frequent testing.
Is year-round prevention really necessary?
Yes. Parasites can survive in many climates year-round, and some (like heartworm) can be fatal without continuous prevention.
Can parasites spread to humans?
Certain parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted to people. Regular screening and prevention help keep your whole family safe.
Schedule your pet’s parasite screening
Protect your pet — and your family — from hidden dangers. Book an appointment for parasite screening in Alexandria, VA, or Portsmouth, NH at PetMedic today.