Deworming
Deworming
Veterinary Deworming in Nashville, TN
At City Pets Animal Care, we provide safe and effective pet deworming for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens throughout Nashville, TN. Internal parasites can affect your pet’s digestion, comfort, and overall health. That is why our team takes a personalized, preventive approach rooted in compassion and clear communication. With our open door policy, you can remain with your pet during every exam, diagnostic test, and treatment, giving you peace of mind and helping your pet stay relaxed.
Whether your pet needs routine deworming, a diagnosis for new symptoms, or a long term prevention plan, we are committed to serving your family with high quality, tailored care in a calm and supportive environment.
What Is Pet Deworming and Why Is It Important?
Pet deworming uses safe, targeted medications to remove intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. These parasites often enter through contaminated soil, fleas, prey, or contact with other animals, and they can quietly damage your pet’s health before obvious symptoms appear. Regular deworming helps prevent digestive upset, weight loss, anemia, and serious illness, while also reducing the risk of parasites spreading to other pets or people. In a warm, pet friendly city like Nashville, consistent parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your pet and family healthy.
How Do I Know If My Dog or Cat Needs Deworming?
Some intestinal parasites cause visible symptoms. Others remain undetected until the infection becomes advanced. This is why many pets need deworming on a routine schedule, even when they appear healthy.
Your pet may need deworming if they:
- Spend time outdoors or visit dog parks
- Are exposed to wildlife, insects, or other pets
- Eat grass, soil, or items found on the ground
- Travel frequently or stay in boarding facilities
- Have inconsistent stool quality or appetite changes
Routine screening helps detect parasites before they create significant discomfort. If you have recently adopted a new puppy, kitten, or rescue animal, an exam is recommended as soon as possible.
What Are the Signs of Worms in Dogs and Cats?
Intestinal parasites can trigger a wide range of symptoms. While some pets show multiple signs, others may show only subtle changes in appetite or energy.
Signs of possible infection include:
- Diarrhea or soft stool
- Vomiting
- Gas or abdominal bloating
- A pot bellied appearance
- Weight loss despite a normal appetite
- Scooting or rubbing the hind end
- A dull, dry, or thinning coat
- Visible worms or rice like segments in the stool
- Reduced energy or unusual restlessness
Parasites can also weaken a pet’s immune system over time, making them more susceptible to other illnesses. If you notice any of the signs above, early worm removal can help your pet recover more comfortably.
Do Veterinarians Require a Fecal Test Before Deworming?
A fecal exam is one of the most important tools for diagnosing intestinal parasites. During this test, our team examines a small stool sample under a microscope to identify eggs, larvae, cysts, and other signs of infection. This helps confirm the type of parasite, guide the choice of medication, and ensure your pet receives complete, effective treatment, including detection of other issues such as Giardia or coccidia. While fecal testing is highly valuable, there are times when immediate treatment is recommended, especially for very young puppies and kittens or pets with obvious symptoms. In those cases, we may begin deworming before results return and will explain the most appropriate plan based on your pet’s age, symptoms, and risk level.
Can I Use Over the Counter Dewormers, or Should I See a Vet?
Over the counter dewormers can be unpredictable. They often target only one or two parasite types and may not fully eliminate the infection. Incorrect dosing can also cause side effects or leave harmful worms behind.
Veterinary prescribed pet deworming offers several advantages:
- Accurate dosing based on age and weight
- Targeted treatment for the specific parasite
- Safer, more effective active ingredients
- Guidance on prevention, follow up care, and timing
- More dependable long term protection
City Pets Animal Care also offers a convenient 12 month injectable option that provides continuous protection without the need for repeated at home doses.
What Types of Worms Are Most Common in Pets?
Pets frequently encounter the following internal parasites:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
In addition, Giardia and coccidia are single celled organisms that can cause similar digestive issues. Although these are not technically worms, they require diagnosis and treatment from a veterinarian.
Our team uses fecal testing and a complete health history to determine which parasite your pet may have been exposed to. This helps us select the right medication for the most effective outcome.
What Should I Do If I See Worms in My Pet’s Stool?
Discovering worms in your pet’s stool can be alarming, but the next steps are simple:
- Call us as soon as possible
- Bring a fresh stool sample to your appointment if available
- Avoid choosing treatments based on appearance alone
- Do not rely on OTC medications that may not target the correct parasite
- Clean up your pet’s stool promptly and wash hands afterward
A quick visit allows us to perform a fecal test, confirm the parasite, and begin the correct pet deworming protocol. Early treatment helps prevent further spread of infection.
Do Indoor Pets Still Need Deworming?
Yes. Indoor pets can still encounter parasites through insects, tracked in soil or dirt, potting soil, rodent exposure, contact with visiting pets, or transmission from a mother to her litter. Even cats and small dogs that rarely go outside benefit from routine deworming, especially in urban or multi pet households where exposure risks are still present.
What Deworming Treatments Do Veterinarians Use?
City Pets Animal Care offers several effective pet deworming options, tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and overall health.
Available treatments include:
- Oral medications
- Liquid formulations
- Injectable dewormers, including a 12 month option
- Follow up doses when needed
- Supportive care for pets with digestive discomfort
Our team explains each step of your pet’s treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect.
How Much Does Pet Deworming Cost in Nashville, TN?
The cost of pet deworming in Nashville varies based on your pet’s size and age, the type of parasite present, whether diagnostic testing is needed, and the treatment recommended. City Pets Animal Care will review all options with you before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Choose City Pets Animal Care for Deworming?
City Pets Animal Care combines advanced medical care with a warm, personalized approach. You can expect:
- An open door policy throughout all treatments
- Individualized care tailored to your pet’s health needs
- Both traditional and holistic care options, including herbal therapy and acupuncture
- A comfortable, boutique style environment
- Experienced guidance from Dr. Eva Evans and our compassionate team
Your pet’s comfort and safety always come first.
Schedule Pet Deworming in Nashville, TN
If your pet is due for deworming or showing signs of intestinal parasites, we are here to help. Contact City Pets Animal Care today to schedule a deworming appointment. Our team is committed to providing safe, effective, and compassionate parasite treatment and prevention for pets of all ages.