Fleas and ticks are not only a summertime nuisance; they pose serious health risks to your pet year-round. From skin inflammation and an allergic reaction to transmitting dangerous diseases, these tiny parasites can wreak havoc on your pet’s well-being. Fortunately, you can protect your four-legged friend from these pesky pests through proper prevention methods. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team offers effective flea and tick prevention strategies for cats and dogs.

Flea and tick diseases that affect pets

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on mammals’ blood. They can cause itching skin irritation and even transmit diseases such as:

  • Bartonellosis — Also known as cat scratch disease, the bacterium Bartonella henselae most often affects cats. Bartonellosis is transmitted through flea bites, and an immunocompromised pet is at an increased risk for developing adverse health effects if they become infected. 
  • Tapeworms — Tapeworms are parasites that invade the intestinal tract. They are transmitted when pets ingest infected fleas. 
  • Mycoplasma haemofelis in cats and haemocanis in dogs — This parasitic bacterial disease attaches to and destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia. The disease is transmitted through tick, mosquito, and flea bites. 
  • Typhus — This severe bacterial disease transmitted through flea bites causes various health problems, from fever to rashes and vomiting. 

Ticks are arachnids that attach themselves to pets’ skin and feed on their blood. They can transmit serious illnesses such as:

  • Lyme disease — Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites, Lyme disease can lead to lameness, joint pain, fever, and lethargy in infected pets.
  • Ehrlichiosis — A tick-borne bacterial infection, ehrlichiosis bacteria infect and kill white blood cells, causing fever, lymph node swelling, and limping.
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever — This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted to pets through tick bites. Signs include joint pain, fever, lethargy, and weakness, among other serious issues.

Many parasitic illnesses in pets are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people. Because of the risks associated with these illnesses, parasite prevention is necessary for pet owners to safeguard their pets and human family members. 

Flea and tick prevention for pets

Since we must coexist with fleas and ticks, taking steps to ensure your furry friend is protected is a must. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team recommends the following preventive medication types:

  • Topical treatments — Topical flea and tick preventives are among the most common. These treatments, applied directly to your pet’s skin, typically contain chemicals that kill fleas and ticks on contact and provide long-lasting protection. Ask our veterinarian about prescription flea and tick preventives, as some over-the-counter (OTC) options are often less effective and may be harmful to your pet.
  • Oral medications — Oral medications are the most effective flea and tick preventive option. These medications come in chewable tablets or flavored liquids and work by disrupting the flea and tick life cycle, preventing infestations. Remember to consult with our team to determine which oral preventive will be most effective for your pet based on their age, weight, and health status.
  • Environmental control — In addition to parasite preventives for your furry pal, you must also address your pet’s environment—inside and outside the home. Fleas and ticks can lay eggs and thrive in carpets, bedding, and outdoor areas that pets frequent. Regular vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water, and treating outdoor spaces with pet-safe insecticides can help reduce the environmental infestation risk. If you have a flea infestation in your home, enlisting professional exterminators is sometimes necessary.
  • Wellness exams — Regular checkups with our veterinarian are crucial for monitoring your pet’s overall health and promptly addressing parasite concerns. We can recommend the most effective preventive measures based on your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle.

Flea and tick prevention is important for your pet’s comfort, health, and well-being. Implement a comprehensive prevention plan that includes regular preventive medicine administration and environmental control to protect your pet from pesky parasites. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to start your pet’s flea and tick preventives.