Fleas and ticks are more than just nuisances. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Hidden Valley Animal Clinic 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 when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.
Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pet's joints, and a decrease in appetite. 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, a 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. Hidden Valley Animal Clinic can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
We Recommend:
- Seresto Collar: Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations.
- Nexgard/Simparica Trio: Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks, when the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
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 or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (724)-941-3900 today.
