Facts Every Pet Parent Should Know About Heartworms, Fleas, & Ticks

…and How You Can Prevent Them from Stealing Your Pet’s Health

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that have the biggest impact on a pet’s quality of life. While fleas, ticks, and heartworms can be difficult to see, their effect on pets’ health is profound. All three of these parasites have a knack for robbing pets of their health, both physical and mental. As a pet care health provider, we’d love to see an end to the damage these pests do, which is why we’re dedicating this time to highlighting facts that every pet parent should know about fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Facts About Fleas

Most people know that fleas are known for their ability to leap 150 times their own height, but did you know that fleas were known for spreading the Black Plague and typhus? What else should you know about these itty-bitty parasites?

• Fleas can cause pets to become anemic. These tiny parasites work in numbers to cause extensive blood loss, especially in puppies, kittens, and senior pets.
• They can also spread tapeworms. 
• Dogs and cats can be allergic to flea saliva. This can be extremely irritating and painful for the pets affected. 
• On average for every flea you see, there are 150 more hidden.

The Tough Truth About Ticks

Ticks can range in size and species, but these little hitchhikers can do extensive damage to a pet’s health. These bloodsuckers hide in tall grass and brush, waiting to latch onto unsuspecting pets and people. What other facts make ticks terrible for dogs and cats?

• Ticks spread Lyme disease, and it can take months for pet parents to notice their pet’s symptoms. This disease attacks the kidneys and joints and prevents pets from partaking in all the activities they once enjoyed. The effects of Lyme disease are irreversible.
• These arachnids also spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and several other diseases.
• Tick-transmitted diseases can be spread to humans. While you cannot catch Lyme disease from your dog directly, if a tick were to bite an infected mammal then bite you or one of your family members, you could become infected.

The Horrible Reality of Heartworms

Of all the parasites pets can get, heartworms are the most heartbreaking. These internal parasites begin as microscopic larvae, but slowly grow and rob pets of their ability to breathe. 

• Heartworms damage the circulatory and respiratory system and will eventually cause heart failure in dogs and often in cats.
• Mosquitoes transmit heartworms. All it takes is one mosquito bite for a pet to become infected.
• Heartworms can grow up to 10-inches in length and live up to seven years within your pet. And yes, they’re reproducing that entire time.
• A study by North Carolina State showed that 25% of cats infected with heartworms were indoor cats.
• There is no treatment for heartworms in cats. 
• Dogs can be treated for heartworms, but the treatment is quite costly and requires weeks of bed rest.
• Untreated, heartworm disease is 100% fatal for dogs. 

Preventing Your Pet from Becoming a Victim of These Parasites

When you brought your pet home, you made a commitment to providing them with their best life and the best health. And we’re sure you’ll agree that your pet deserves the best. Luckily, protecting your pet from fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease is as easy as scheduling an appointment, showing up, and providing your pet with monthly preventative medication. We even offer medications that can be given every few months.

Don’t wait. Make an appointment today. We can’t wait to see your pet.

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