Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, from flea allergy dermatitis to life threatening diseases such as Lyme Disease. Sarasota Animal Medical Center 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. Unlike many other parasites that dogs and cats can get from exposure to an infected animal's feces, dogs and cats only become infected with tapeworms by ingesting a flea or rodent carrying a tapeworm.
The most important tick-borne diseases that affect dogs and cats are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis. All can have serious health consequences for dogs and many can have serious health consequences for people as well.
For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, 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. Sarasota Animal Medical Center can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Flea Collars – Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations.
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
- Sprays – Sprayed onto your pet’s fur to control in-progress flea and tick infestations. Can last as long as 30 days.
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Sarasota Animal Medical Center
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 services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (941) 954-4771 today.