Parasite Prevention for Pets in Greer, SC

A parasite screening is a set of tests that help your veterinarian identify internal and external parasites that can affect your pet’s health. Parasites are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious conditions if left untreated.

At Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital, parasite screenings typically include:

• Fecal testing to detect intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia.
• Blood testing to check for heartworms and tick-borne diseases that can affect internal organs.
• Physical and skin cytological exams to identify fleas, ticks, and mites on the coat or skin surface.

These screenings allow us to detect problems early, treat infections promptly, and prevent recurring infestations. Every result is reviewed by Dr. Layman to ensure your pet’s care plan is comprehensive and effective.

Parasites are common in South Carolina, and many can infect pets without obvious symptoms. Left unchecked, they can lead to digestive issues, anemia, fatigue, organ damage, and in severe cases, life-threatening illness.

Routine parasite screenings also protect people. Several parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can spread to humans through contaminated soil or pet waste. While humans are not their preferred hosts, fleas, and mites have also been known to bite humans, causing extremely itchy, possibly painful, bite marks and welts. Testing helps protect your entire household, especially young children, seniors, or those with compromised immune systems.

Because Greer’s warm, humid climate allows mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks to remain active for much of the year, consistent testing is essential. Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital emphasizes prevention as the foundation of lifelong health. Early detection is easier, safer, and far less costly than treating a serious infection later.

The Upstate region’s environment supports a variety of parasites that can impact both dogs and cats. Some of the most common include:

• Heartworms – spread by mosquitoes, these parasites can cause heart failure and lung damage if untreated.
• Hookworms, Roundworms, and Tapeworms – intestinal worms that can cause weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, or poor coat quality.
• Mites, Fleas and Ticks – external parasites that irritate the skin and spread diseases like Lyme or Ehrlichia.
• Giardia and Coccidia – microscopic organisms that lead to digestive upset and dehydration.

Our in-house diagnostics and trusted reference labs help us identify these parasites quickly and accurately. Once results are available, we create a personalized prevention or treatment plan tailored to your pet’s age, health, and risk factors.

Most adult pets should receive annual parasite screenings as part of their routine wellness exams. However, pets with higher exposure, such as outdoor cats or dogs who frequent parks or boarding facilities, may benefit from more frequent testing.

Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. We often recommend screenings every few months during their first year to ensure they remain parasite-free as they grow.

Even indoor pets should be tested regularly. Fleas and mosquitoes can enter homes easily, and some intestinal parasites are transmitted through soil or other animals. A quick screening once a year gives you confidence that your pet is protected.

Yes. Our comprehensive parasite testing is designed to detect both types.

Internal parasites are identified through fecal flotation and blood antigen tests that look for microscopic eggs or proteins produced by parasites. These tests help detect worms and protozoa that may not yet cause symptoms.

External parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites are found through physical examination and microscopic evaluation of the coat or skin. During your pet’s visit, we’ll also discuss preventive products and lifestyle adjustments to minimize risk year-round.

Even with regular prevention, some pets can still develop parasites. Contact us right away if you notice any of the following signs:

• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Dull or thinning coat
• Worms or white segments in stool
• Frequent scratching, licking, chewing, or scooting
• Coughing, fatigue, or changes in behavior

The sooner your pet is tested, the sooner we can diagnose and treat the problem before it affects their comfort or long-term health.

If your pet tests positive, our team will walk you through every step of care. Dr. Layman reviews all results personally and develops a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Prescription deworming or antiparasitic medication based on the type of parasite.
• Follow-up testing to confirm complete elimination.
• Advice on cleaning your home and environment to prevent reinfection.

We take the time to explain what each result means so you feel confident and informed about your pet’s recovery. Our supportive, relationship-focused approach ensures your companion receives gentle, effective care from start to finish.

Preventing parasites is easier and more affordable than treating an active infection. Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital recommends:

• Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for dogs and cats.
• Cleaning pet waste promptly and keeping outdoor areas sanitary.
• Scheduling routine wellness exams to monitor your pet’s health.
• Avoiding standing water and limiting exposure to wildlife.

Our team will help you select the right preventive plan based on your pet’s size, age, and risk exposure. Consistent protection gives you peace of mind knowing your pet is safe from hidden threats.

Greer’s warm summers, mild winters, and high humidity make it easy for parasites to thrive. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can remain active even during cooler months, meaning your pet’s risk rarely disappears.

That’s why Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital encourages year-round parasite prevention and annual testing. Our team understands the specific risks in Upstate South Carolina and tailors every preventive plan to your pet’s environment, keeping them protected every season.

The cost of a pet parasite screening in Greer depends on which tests are needed. Basic fecal and blood screenings are typically affordable, and we will always review your options and obtain your approval before proceeding.

To help make preventive care more accessible, Goldenrod offers a 10% discount on the cost of the fecal screening test when you bring a fresh, naturally discarded stool sample with you to your scheduled appointment. This helps keep costs down and also keeps your pet more comfortable, since we do not need to collect a sample manually in the clinic. Please note that this discount only applies to samples brought at the time of the appointment. Stool samples brought in after the visit do not qualify for the discount.

At Goldenrod, we believe in transparency. You will receive upfront pricing and clear explanations of every recommendation. Regular screenings are one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your pet’s long-term health, helping you avoid serious illness or more costly treatments in the future.