Oh those bad 4-letter F and T words......
That's right FLEA and TICK.... Those pesky parasites that plague our pets---now that the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities we become more aware of these critters on and in the environment of our pets and those of us on the other end of the leash or the carrier.
Because we had a relatively mild winter, there was little to no reduction in the reproduction of fleas and ticks. Flea populations generally decrease after a week of freezing cold weather (below 32F) which we did not have this year and ticks don't usually care about the cold as they are available year round to transmit a variety of diseases, not just Lyme disease!!
Fleas and ticks have multiple life stages, some so small that they are unapparent to even the sharpest of eyes and hands. They also are NOT species specific and in fact most fleas found on our companion pet animals are actually cat fleas.
Whether or not you see the actual flea on your pet, they may be there in the secondary allergic effects that can manifest as scratching, rashing, hair loss, and discomfort. Plus, who wants to have a flea infestation in their home knowing that a pair of fleas can produce millions of offspring that want to share our spaces. Fleas also can carry other infections and parasites as well. Ask us about the ways we can help protect all the animals that you love and share your home with by recommending specific products for your pet's risks.
There are hundreds of kinds of ticks capable of transmitting more than 20 different tick related diseases to cause problems for our pets and for us. Lyme disease may be the most common and familiar tick disease reported in over 40 states, and of course in our area, but we now routinely test for Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichia at least annually. There currently is protection for Lyme disease through appropriate vaccination and parasite control with such products as the Preventic collar and Vectra topical protection.
Please keep your precious pets safe this spring by getting the most up-to-date information on ways to protect them from the parasite parade that's ready to jump aboard.... Questions have answers and we can help with the solutions!