An ongoing defense is the only method to stand up to these pests, and flea and tick prevention has the bonus of promoting significant pet health.
Despite the time of year, pets benefit from a preventive, proactive strategy against disease-spreading parasites like fleas and ticks. Pets can become vulnerable to parasite attacks during any lapses or gaps in their regular dose. An ongoing defense is the only method to stand up to these pests, and flea and tick prevention has the bonus of promoting significant pet health.
Flea Issues
Fleas bite and multiply, potentially causing flea allergy dermatitis, leaving behind flea dirt, and spreading disease and tapeworms. Secondary skin infections can occur in pets that can’t stop scratching after a flea irritation. Since a single flea can create dozens of eggs daily, it can make a full-scale flea infestation almost overnight.
Tick Issues
Ticks are repulsive among pet owners because their scant size can escape detection. While they don’t jump or fly, ticks can sense their prey and wait for them to walk by the grass, leaf, or branch they happen to be perched upon. The most prevalent health risk posed by ticks is Lyme disease. However, ticks can spread any of these to unprotected pets:
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Babesiosis
If a tick gorges themselves on their prey, they can spread dangerous pathogens within two days. Unfortunately, ticks can double in size when they finish, so it’s crucial to remove them in a way that keeps their whole body intact. If your pet is up to date on their flea and tick prevention medication, ticks will die shortly after their blood meal starts.
Flea and Tick Prevention Strategies
Every pet leads a different lifestyle and health history. This is why there are various pet’s parasite prevention strategies such as:
- Monthly oral medication
- Combination of oral, topical, and injectable medication
Disease screening is mandatory before Alexander Animal Hospital can prescribe specific parasite-prevention medication. Because fleas and ticks enter your pet’s home, all pets (even indoor-only ones) must receive the benefits of year-round flea and tick prevention.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!