Flea and Parasite Information

At the West Seattle Animal Hospital, we strongly recommend that all our patients use monthly flea preventatives all year round. The climate in the Seattle area is not cold enough for long enough for us to have a "flea season" and it is easier and more comfortable for people and their pets to prevent a parasite infestation than to treat one. We offer a variety of preventative medications to purchase from us.

How and Where to Buy

Over the counter medications can be purchased from one of our receptionists any time the lobby is open.

To purchase a prescription medication, please call us at (206) 932 - 3308 or fill out our online prescription request form. Prescription medications require that the patient be up to date on an annual exam. A member of the medical staff will call you within 24 hours of your request; either when your prescription is ready or if they have questions or concerns before filling the medication.

Many prescription flea medications are available at online pet pharmacies. To purchase from them, simply submit your purchase through their website, and they will contact us for approval.

You may also be able to find these medications sold at other local retail stores. Unfortunately, some of these stores may be selling counterfeit products or products that no longer work correctly. You are welcome to purchase any product you wish, but the safest way to ensure that you are purchasing a genuine product is to purchase from a veterinarian's office or an online pet pharmacy.

Symptoms of a Flea or Parasite Infestation

If you see your pets itching frequently, or if you notice small dark red, brown or black spots on their skin especially at the base of a dog’s tail or around a cat’s face and neck, your pet may have fleas or some other parasite.

If you see worms that look like grains of rice, sesame seeds, or spaghetti noodles in your pet’s feces, your pet may have an internal parasite.

If your pet has been having soft stools or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, your pet may have an internal parasite.

In any of these circumstances, you may call and speak with one of our nurses for advice on what to do next. They can sometimes help you figure out what is going on over the phone, and they have lots of helpful advice to give based on what you are experiencing.

In some cases, the nurses will recommend you be seen by a doctor or bring in a fecal sample for testing. You are welcome to schedule an examination appointment with a doctor any time you have a concern. Any time the lobby is open, you are welcome to bring in a fecal sample to be tested by our lab. Please call with questions regarding costs for testing.

Please call and speak with a receptionist or a nurse with further questions.