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.
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.
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.
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.