Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Skye Ridge Veterinary Hospital 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, hair loss, and some cases infection. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when your pet ingests a flea carrying tapeworm eggs it can cause a tapeworm infestation. Tapeworms are long, flat and segmented parasites that resemble a grain of rice. Often found in the bedding where your pet lays and in their stool.
Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis (diseases that can be transmitted to humans), including rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Other tick borne diseases include ehrlichia and anaplasmosis which are known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, joint disease, and blood clotting problems.
For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by pale gums, rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you are concerned, please call us!
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Skye Ridge Veterinary Hospital
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. There are many types of flea medications and at Skye Ridge Veterinary Hospital we carry multiple brands and types that we believe in, both in the hospital and through our online pharmacy, to tailor care for your pet. Whether you prefer a topical medication, a tablet, or an all-in-one monthly, we can create the right treatment plan to protect your pet and your home.
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 today.
