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Deworming

Treating and preventing internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.

Deworming & Parasite Control: Keeping Your Pet Healthy from the Inside Out
Parasites aren’t always visible, but they can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Deworming and parasite control are key components of your pet’s wellness care—helping protect them from discomfort, illness, and even diseases that can spread to humans.

Whether your pet is an adventurous pup or a stay-at-home cat, regular parasite protection is essential to their health.

Why Deworming and Parasite Control Matter

Intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, and heartworms can impact pets at any age. Some pets show clear signs, like scooting or vomiting, while others have no symptoms at all. Without proper prevention, parasites can lead to:

  • Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss)

  • Anemia or malnutrition

  • Itchy skin or allergic reactions

  • Life-threatening conditions like heartworm disease

  • Transmission of parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, to humans

That’s why prevention and routine screening are just as important as treatment.

Common Internal and External Parasites

Internal Parasites (Worms):

  • Roundworms

  • Hookworms

  • Whipworms

  • Tapeworms

  • Giardia

  • Coccidia

External Parasites:

  • Fleas

  • Ticks

  • Mites

  • Lice

How We Protect Your Pet

Our parasite prevention plans are tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. We offer:

  • Oral or topical monthly preventatives

  • Flea and tick treatments

  • Deworming protocols for puppies, kittens, and adult pets

  • Annual fecal exams to detect internal parasites

  • Annual heartworm testing and prevention

  • Treatment for diagnosed infections or infestations

If your pet is active outdoors, visits dog parks, travels, or lives in a multi-pet home, more frequent parasite prevention may be recommended.

What to Watch For

  • Visible worms in stools or around the rear

  • Diarrhea or vomiting

  • Weight loss despite normal eating

  • Excessive itching or biting at the skin

  • Scooting or dragging the bottom

  • Coughing (possible sign of heartworms)

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to schedule a visit so we can test and treat promptly.

Protecting your pet from parasites is easier than treating the effects of an infestation. Regular prevention helps keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and protected year-round.

💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health. Book your appointment today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.