Parasites aren’t only an annoyance; because many are transferrable to humans, they pose a serious health risk to you and your family as well as your pet.

Monthly topical flea control products include Advantage (fleas only) and Advantage Multi (fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms), and Advantix (fleas and ticks). Comfortis is a once-monthly oral flea product (for dogs only) for owners who prefer a pill rather than topical application. An strictly indoor cat will probably require only occasional applications of Advantage to keep fleas at bay, while an active hunting dog may require the additional protection from ticks and mosquitos provided by Advantix. Advantage Multi is appropriate for pets that spend any time outdoors, where they will be exposed to multiple parasites. Discuss with your vet which option best serves your pet’s needs.

Microchipping is an invaluable service that we recommend for all pets, even if they are “indoor only”. Despite our best efforts, pets do get out. It only takes one visitor leaving the window open or forgetting to latch the gate. With AVID microchips, you will have peace of mind knowing that if your lost pet ends up with Animal Control or in a shelter, your information will be available and your pet quickly returned. Most shelters are sadly overcrowded and unable to accomodate the huge volume of homeless animals brought in. Microchipping your pet will ensure that, if lost, they will not be euthanized by a shelter before you can find them again.

Microchipping is quick and easy. The chip is injected under the skin through a needle, similar to giving a vaccination. It will remain there, and functional, for the rest of your pet’s life—unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed. If your pet ever ends up in a shelter, it will be scanned for a chip. The chip number is then checked against the PETtrac database to find your contact information so you and your pet can be reunited.