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.
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
SO nice and kind! They were so friendly with my puppy for his first visit. Thank you!
E. F.
Great staff.
R. G.
Just through and through an AMAZING vet, my bunnies were just in last week for the first time. Everyone we interacted with was nothing but nice, they actually care about their patients! They kept small talk with us the entire...
M. E.
We spend a lot of time here, much to the dismay of our dog. The staff are professional, friendly, and very kind to my terrified lapdog.
K. C.
They have been absolutely amazing with the care of my bunny rabbits I'm so glad I found them, and they are very cheap too. The staff is absolutely friendly and amazing.
C. W.
We absolutely love Dr. Heather! Highly recommend Blue Lake.
W. C.
I can’t say enough good things about Blue Lake Animal Hospital and their amazing team! I bring all of my cats and dogs here, and every single visit has been exceptional. They genuinely go above and beyond, always taking the...
W.
Dr. Heather of Blue Lake Animal Hospital is absolutely the best vet I've ever taken my animals to, in a lifetime of owning animals. She's kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable.
B. S.
I have a small breed dog pregnant with a singleton puppy and at the vet yesterday morning we were faced with a tough decision. Being a hour+ away and the probability of her going into labor last night if deciding...
W. H.
🌟 I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Heather and her amazing staff! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and cared for. They are incredibly compassionate and truly take the time to listen to both you...
A. P.
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