You love the evenings when the windows are open, and the breeze carries the smell of rain across the yard. Your dog trots through the wet grass, and your cat naps in a sunny spot by the screen door. Then you notice a restless scratch, a tiny bite, or a pet who seems a little off, and you wonder what slipped into your companion’s life while you enjoyed the day. In South Florida, warm weather never really leaves, and neither do the parasites that come with it.
At Oakland Park Animal Hospital, we have been owner-operated for nearly four decades, and Dr. Spencer Ratnoff brings more than 40 years of veterinary experience to every pet we meet. Our approach to general veterinary care is personal and unhurried, built on the belief your pet is our pet. Parasite prevention is one of the simplest ways we help your family avoid bigger worries and bigger bills down the road.
Mosquitoes are active across Broward County for most of the year, and they carry heartworm larvae from one animal to the next. The American Heartworm Society notes heartworm disease has been diagnosed in dogs in every state, and it recommends year-round heartworm prevention because preventives must be given on time, every time, to work. Cats and ferrets can be infected too, so cat families need to pay attention as well.
Fleas and ticks add another layer of risk. Our humid climate lets fleas multiply quickly in yards, on furniture, and in carpet, while ticks hitch rides on walks through shaded areas. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms spread through contaminated soil and can affect puppies and kittens before you ever see a symptom.
Every pet is different, so we match protection to your companion’s species, age, lifestyle, and health history. Here is how we think about the main threats.
Heartworm preventives come as monthly chewable tablets, topical spot-on products, or an injectable option given every six or twelve months, and we help you choose the right fit. We carry products combining heartworm, flea, and tick protection, so you can protect your pet with one coordinated plan.
If heartworm medication is not the right choice for your pet, we still offer flea and tick solutions, so you are never pushed toward a one-size-fits-all answer. Fleas can trigger itchy skin problems, which matter a great deal in South Florida, where many pets, including bulldogs and Frenchies, already struggle with skin allergies.
Our in-house laboratory lets us run fecal testing right here in our hospital. The results show which parasites are present and how many, so we can treat what is actually there instead of guessing. We also welcome puppies and kittens for early screening, because those first visits set the tone for lifelong health.
Prevention starts with a conversation. During your pet’s annual wellness exam, we review weight, travel plans, time spent outdoors, and any history of itching or digestive upset. Those details help us recommend the right products and the right schedule, and we explain every option because heartworm preventives are available only by prescription.
To get the most from your visit, consider bringing or asking about the following:
Sharing this information helps us build a plan you can follow month after month without surprises. Our goal is simple. We want protection to feel easy, so you can focus on the walks, naps, and cuddles.
Consistent protection works best when it is easy to keep up. Our StayWell Pet Plan, offered alongside our wellness and vaccination services, includes 10% off heartworm and flea and tick prevention, 50% off in-house laboratory testing, and a discounted exam fee. The plan applies to routine care with a scheduled appointment, and emergencies are not covered, so we encourage you to ask how it fits your pet.
We also work with pet parents in any capacity to make sure every companion gets the best care possible. If you would like to spread costs out, ask us about financing through Cherry and CareCredit, and we will talk through an option to suit your family. You can also explore Zoetis Petcare to learn about rewards for veterinary care.
If your household includes a bird, reptile, or small mammal, parasite risks look different. We welcome you to schedule an exotic pet care visit so we can talk through what makes sense for your companion.
Parasites do not take days off in South Florida, and neither do we when it comes to caring for your family. Dr. Spencer Ratnoff has welcomed generations of pets through our doors, and some families have trusted us with their fifth dog because we answer every question and make sure you understand each step.
We care for families in Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and nearby neighborhoods. Contact us to schedule your pet’s parasite prevention visit, and we will help you build a plan to keep your companion protected all year long.
Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.
