Is your pet protected from pests? Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are some of the most common pests to affect our furry friends. Not only are these parasites unpleasant, but they can also be a significant risk to your pet’s health. As the summer approaches, it’s essential to ensure your pet is protected, and our team at South Hyland Pet Hospital is here to help.
Here is what you need to know about these common pests and some tips on how you can make sure your pet is protected.
Fleas
Fleas are among the most well-known parasites and are commonly associated with excessive itch. While the itch is certainly uncomfortable, fleas can also cause more severe issues such as anemia or flea allergy dermatitis. Flea allergy dermatitis is a condition seen in some pets due to an allergic reaction to flea saliva. This can cause significant discomfort and skin irritation long after the flea has gone.
Once your pet is infested with fleas, it can be challenging to get rid of the pesky parasites. Adult fleas can quickly lay eggs throughout your home. When the flea eggs mature, the fleas can reinfect your pet and start the cycle all over again. Because of this, ensuring your home is flea-free can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.
The best way to avoid this flea headache is to ensure your pet is properly protected. Luckily, there are many options for flea protection, including topical treatments, flea collars, and oral medication.
Ticks
While many pets enjoy a good outdoor adventure, outdoor activities can increase your pet’s risk of tick exposure and disease. Ticks are known to thrive in heavily wooded areas and can carry various diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis.
If your pet spends time outside, they need to be on an appropriate tick preventative. This can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of disease and protect their long-term health. For more information about Lyme disease and how to keep your pet protected, you can check out our recent article “Prevention of Lyme Disease Month.”
Heartworm
Unlike fleas and ticks, heartworms are internal parasites that can affect your pet’s heart and lungs. Heartworms are spread by mosquitos and enter your pet’s bloodstream through the mosquito’s bite. Once the parasite enters the bloodstream, the larvae will mature into adult worms and migrate to your pet’s heart, lungs, or surrounding blood vessels.
The damage caused by heartworm infection can be quite severe and have long-lasting effects on your pet’s health. While there are heartworm treatments available for dogs, the treatment can be expensive, and the same options are not available for cats. Because of this, the best thing you can do for your pet is to make sure they are on appropriate heartworm prevention. We also encourage routine heartworm testing as part of your pet’s annual wellness exam.
Final Thoughts
Parasite prevention is an essential part of your pet’s preventative care and can significantly impact your pet’s long-term health. We hope this information will encourage you to take some time to evaluate your pet’s preventative plan.
If you have questions about your pet’s protection, please give us a call at 952-884-2868. Our South Hyland Pet Hospital team is happy to discuss your pet’s option and ensure your furry friend remains pest-free!
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