Flea and Tick Prevention FAQ

Keeping your companion animal in a schedule where you take him or her to receive tick and flea prevention is important. Every pet needs protection, and here is why and how you can protect your cat or dog from ticks and fleas.

 

What Causes Ticks or Fleas?

Although fleas and ticks are common during spring and summer, these troublesome pests can be a plague for your household and your pet all year round. What brings fleas or ticks into your home?

 

Lack of Protection

If your pets are not on consistent preventive medication, they become vulnerable to these pests. Therefore, consult your vet and be sure to use the right medicine regularly and correctly. This way, ticks, and fleas will not be an issue.

 

Household Members

You and other members of your household could be walking dangers for your unprotected cat or dog. That is because you could carry ticks and fleas inside your shoes or on your clothing and transfer them to your pet.

 

Other Pets

If your pet encounters another person’s pet or even a wild animal that has ticks and fleas, then your pet could be exposed to these vermin or their eggs.

 

Dense Greenery

Is your companion animal exposed to tall, dense vegetation around your home? Be on the lookout if your pet hangs out in this type of environment because that is where ticks like to spend time too.

 

Warmer Weather Conditions

The warmer weather in spring and summer is conducive for ticks and fleas. This is when these parasites shelter in tall grass and cool areas that also entice pets.

 

Why Is Flea and Tick Prevention So Vital?

Without regular and proper protection, ticks and fleas pose various health risks to your pets. These include:

 

• Anemia:  As the fleas and ticks feed on your animal’s blood, they reduce your pet’s blood count, leaving the pet at risk for anemia
   

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease: These parasitic diseases are spread by ticks, but parasites can harbor and transmit various other ailments too
   

• Skin Irritation: Your pet can develop an allergic reaction to the general presence of ticks and fleas, and their saliva. This can bring about skin irritation and constant itching
   

• Open Injuries and Infection: Constant itching may break your pet’s skin open and put them at risk for infections and disease
  
   

What Should I Do if I Think My Pet Has Ticks or Fleas?

If you spot itching, inflammation, and redness on your pet’s skin, your pet could be carrying fleas. In some instances, crusty or oozing sores and split hairs may be showing.

 

To check your cat or dog for fleas and ticks, have them stand outside the house over a clear sheet, preferably white in color. Then, run a comb through your dog or cat’s fur and watch for any ticks or fleas that may fall on the sheet that looks like dark specks. Alternatively, call your vet to run the test and recommend the appropriate treatment for your pet.

 

Learn more about flea and tick prevention, contact Dr. Mike’s Affordable Vet Care in Arlington, Texas at (817) 663-8160 to book an appointment today.