Preventing Flea & Tick Infestation In Your Pet
March 19, 2021
Keep The Pests Away & Your Pets Happy
If you’re the proud owner of a dog or an outdoor cat, then you probably already have some idea of the importance of flea and tick prevention. But just what are the best ways to accomplish this? And if your pet does end up with a problem, what are the best remedies?
Fleas
Fleas can be very difficult to spot on your pet, as they are extremely small. Be sure to take note of their behavioral habits so you have a baseline with which to compare things. If they start to scratch themselves more, especially on the lower half of their body, you may have a flea issue on your hands. Red, swollen patches of skin may also be noticeable, as are red-brown or black specks in their fur, which is flea feces. In extreme cases, patches of fur may be lost entirely.
Many people are leery of the vet prescribing a pill to combat the fleas, as they fear it will be a problem getting them to take it. Don’t worry! There are plenty of injections and spot treatments available as well. Sprays are also available for your home. If your pet does have a flea problem, don’t forget to meticulously vacuum and clean your home to completely rid it of them.
Ticks
Your pets (and you too!) typically come into contact with ticks in heavily wooded areas with a great deal of tall grass. They hide and wait for a host to come by, then latch onto it. While they don’t reproduce extremely rapidly like fleas do, they can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While they can be removed from your pet’s fur with tweezers, you must be extremely careful not to squeeze too hard. Otherwise, infected blood can leak onto your pet as well as you.
Fleas
Fleas can be very difficult to spot on your pet, as they are extremely small. Be sure to take note of their behavioral habits so you have a baseline with which to compare things. If they start to scratch themselves more, especially on the lower half of their body, you may have a flea issue on your hands. Red, swollen patches of skin may also be noticeable, as are red-brown or black specks in their fur, which is flea feces. In extreme cases, patches of fur may be lost entirely.
Many people are leery of the vet prescribing a pill to combat the fleas, as they fear it will be a problem getting them to take it. Don’t worry! There are plenty of injections and spot treatments available as well. Sprays are also available for your home. If your pet does have a flea problem, don’t forget to meticulously vacuum and clean your home to completely rid it of them.
Ticks
Your pets (and you too!) typically come into contact with ticks in heavily wooded areas with a great deal of tall grass. They hide and wait for a host to come by, then latch onto it. While they don’t reproduce extremely rapidly like fleas do, they can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While they can be removed from your pet’s fur with tweezers, you must be extremely careful not to squeeze too hard. Otherwise, infected blood can leak onto your pet as well as you.
Contact Us to Learn More About Our Pet Vaccination & Treatment Options
Much like with fleas, there are many different products available to get rid of them, depending on size and breed. Cottage Animal Clinic is a walk-in veterinary clinic serving the Wilson, Goldsboro, Greenville and Rocky Mount, NC areas. Located
in Stantonsburg, we can inspect your pet for fleas and ticks, as well as prescribe medication to help get rid of any issue. Just stop by and see us; no appointment is necessary!
Cottage Animal Clinic offers pet vaccinations to Greenville, NC and the surrounding areas. Contact our veterinarians today to learn more about the different vaccinations we offer.
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Having your pet spayed or neutered is one of the best things you can do. Read our latest post to learn why. Our veterinary clinic offers pet neutering Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro & Rocky Mount, NC. Call today.
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When the season changes from Winter to Spring, your pup can be affected by many things including allergies and pests. Read our latest post to learn how to prepare your pup for Spring! Our veterinary clinic serves Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro & Rocky Mount, NC.
