Fleas can cause severe allergic reactions, anemia from blood loss (especially in small or older pets), and tapeworm transmission. Ticks are notorious for spreading serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Prevention is key to avoiding these dangerous and costly health issues.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Flea & Tick Prevention
Methods to Prevent Fleas & Ticks
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause discomfort and other health issues to pets. Fleas are wingless insects and have a lifespan of about 100 days. Fleas spend their lifetime on a host’s body, laying eggs and surviving there. Ticks are bigger than fleas and belong to the Arachnid or spider family. There are different species and sizes of ticks with a lifespan of up to three years.
Ticks and fleas left unchecked can cause a variety of illnesses for your pet. Fleas can cause anemia, allergic reactions, and tapeworm infections. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and several other diseases. Prevention is the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks. Keep reading to learn various methods you can use for your pet to prevent, treat, and heal from fleas and ticks.
If you believe your pet is infested with fleas and ticks, there are multiple ways to treat it. We recommend that you call Blue Lake Animal Hospital for advice on treating your pet and to schedule an appointment with our veterinary professionals, who will find the best treatment for your pet. It’s important to note that flea and tick preventatives for dogs should not be used on cats, as they are often toxic to cats.
FAQs About Flea & Tick Prevention for Pets in Michigan
What does it mean for a pet to have a flea bite allergy?
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a fairly common condition where a pet has a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. For these pets, a single flea bite can cause intense itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, and secondary skin infections.
What is "flea dirt" and how do I spot it?
“Flea dirt” is actually flea feces, which is largely composed of digested blood. It looks like small black or brown specks, similar to pepper. The easiest way to check for it is to use a flea comb on your pet, especially over their lower back and rump. If you see these specks, it’s a sure sign that fleas are present, even if you haven’t seen an adult flea.
I only saw one flea on my pet. Is it a big deal?
Yes, it is. For every one adult flea you see on your pet, there are likely dozens more on your pet and in the environment in the form of eggs, larvae, and pupae. That single flea is typically a warning sign of a much larger infestation in your home that needs to be addressed immediately.
How do I choose the right prevention method for my pet?
The best product for your pet depends on their species, age, weight, health status, and lifestyle. We will partner with you to choose the most effective and appropriate preventative, whether it’s an oral medication or a topical solution, ensuring your pet gets the protection they need.
How to Treat and Prevent Fleas:
- Flea Combs. Flea combs are used to help find adult fleas or flea dirt on your pet. Using a flea comb also helps remove the stubborn adult fleas currently on your pet. The adult fleas you see on your pet are only five percent of the total infestation.
- Soap Baths. For young kittens or puppies that are too young for flea and tick preventatives, Dawn dish soap baths can help kill and remove adult fleas. Please note that this does not prevent or kill ticks, and it does not prevent new fleas from getting on your pet.
- Topical Solution. Most topical solutions protect your pet against fleas and ticks for a month. These are useful for pets that are difficult to medicate with oral medications or have food allergies.
- Oral Medication. Oral flea and tick preventatives work the fastest to kill fleas and ticks making them preferred for most pets. These are also preferred for pets with flea bite allergies.
A proper flea and tick treatment plan requires treating all pets in the household for the appropriate amount of time. While fleas tend to cause more issues during the warm weather months, ticks are active year-round on any day above freezing temperatures. We recommend year-round flea and tick prevention for your pets.
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For Flea & Tick Prevention
Remember to inspect your dogs and cats regularly for fleas and ticks. Always check behind their ears, around their eyes, lips, collar, legs, and between their toes for ticks. You can find fleas commonly in the fur over the back and rump area of your pet.
At Blue Lake Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to helping your animal heal and stay healthy. We know how important your pet is to you and you can trust us to find the best treatment for your pet. Call us today to schedule an appointment at Blue Lake Animal Hospital.
What We Do
Caledonia Veterinary Services
Preventive Medicine
Prevention is key to supporting your pet’s ongoing health. We devise an individualized strategy to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Surgical Services
We perform standard and specialized surgeries to address your pet’s health concerns, including spays, tumor removal, orthopedic surgeries, and more.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of preventing communicable diseases. Keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations right at our office.
Dental Care
Dental health is essential to your pet’s overall wellness. Our dental services cover all of your pet’s oral health needs, from tooth extraction to cleaning.
Special Care for Pocket Pets
We understand the unique needs of pocket pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Our team has the
expertise to provide the best care for these small companions, ensuring their health and happiness.
Reviews
Happy Customers
I cannot say enough good things about this veterinary clinic! They were able to squeeze my cat in on very short notice when he suddenly started having urinary accidents, and I was so stressed trying to figure out what was...
Kristen G.
Love this place for our American Bully. Dr. Heather and her team were absolutely amazing. We drove almost two hours to take our girl to see them numerous times. They performed reverse progesterone testing, and they also did the C-section...
A. W.
Amazing vets and very friendly staff. I have been bringing my animals here for years and wouldn't go anywhere else.
S. B.
Such an amazing place. I brought one of my pet rats here around a few years ago for an external tumor removal. They did such a great job and were very informative and caring. Fast forward to now and I...
B. C.
My breeder suggested Dr. Will and Dr. Heather. They have been amazing! I knew Louie was in great hands once I met them❤️
J. R.
I have absolutely enjoyed bringing my fur baby here. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and wait times to get in are not ridiculous.
R. V.
We’re empty nesters and our dogs have filled the void, however I have found that my new children needed a higher level of care. This place cares, and very helpful when “Mom and I” are freaking out. We have been...
J. F.
Dr. Macey and staff are always kind and knowledgeable.
N. R.
We have been with Blue Lake Animal Hospital for years. Great, knowledgeable, and compassionate veterinarians whose priority is the welfare of your pet. Their staff is fantastic as well, from reception to assistants.
S. H.
Absolutely wonderful staff. Very caring and always try to fit us in when needed. Dr. Heather is so knowledgeable, kind and helpful. We are incredibly thankful their pricing is reasonable which makes regular maintenance much easier, especially right now.
K. G.
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