Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like lyme disease, flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Greenbank Animal Hospital can evaluate your pet to determine the best type of flea prevention medication.
Pet Health Hazards Of Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and if your pet ingests a flea while licking themselves, this can cause a tapeworm infestation.
Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause illness in dogs. In our area the most common are lyme disease, ehrlichia and anaplasma. Rocky mountain spotted fever is also possible, but less prevalent where we live. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Anaplasma and ehrlichia cause generalized lack of appetite, lethargy and a reduction of platelet numbers. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. If you see any of these symptoms in your pet we can test them to see whether or not tick bourne disease is responsible for their illness.
For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation.
Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available
When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are a few different types of medications available. Most commonly oral tablets and spot-on treatments. Greenbank Animal Hospital can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month.
Special Care for Outdoor Cats
We typically use spot-on treatments for them to prevent against fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites.
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Greenbank Animal Hospital
When it comes to controlling fleas and ticks, you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your pet and advice on how to rid your home of flea infestations. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your dog or cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. If you have a current flea infestation, you may want to use a vet-recommended treatment.
For more information on our flea and tick prevention services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (613) 825-2902 today.