Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Goshen 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. Dogs and cats become infected by ingestion of the infected intermediate host. Most urban dogs and cats eat prepared foods and have restricted access to natural prey. Such animals still may acquire tapeworms by ingesting fleas while grooming themselves.
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals and people. Once attached to a host, ticks feed voraciously. As they feed, ticks can transmit a large number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Q fever, and Lyme disease. These diseases can cause lethargy, pain in your pet's joints, decrease in appetite and multiorgan failure. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression.
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 several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Goshen Animal Hospital can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Flea Collars – Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations. Kills on contact.
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Topical Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Goshen 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.
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 (301) 977-5586 today.
