VetMed Animal Health Blog

As Spring approaches, it brings warmer and nicer weather.  Our pets spend more time outside and traveling.  Unfortunately, parasites also enjoy the weather.  Flea and tick season is here!  Mosquito season will soon begin as well.  Make sure your pets are protected!Below you will find some information about the risks these pests pose to our pets!

Fleas:
Normally only adult fleas live on pets, and often they remain there only long enough to feed. Eggs may be laid on the pet, but usually fall off the pet into the environment where conditions are right for them to develop (through a multistage life cycle) into adult fleas. As a result, it is possible to have a substantial flea problem although you have only identified a few or no fleas on your pet. Egg and larval stages can survive in your home all year and in your yard from spring through late fall (all year in warmer climates). Biting and scratching on the lower back, tail, and abdomen are the most common signs of flea infestation.  An inflammation of the skin will often flare up in these areas. Flea control involves treatment of the pet and the environment. Fleas carry tapeworms, so be sure to have your pet checked for these intestinal parasites as well. We can recommend the most appropriate flea prevention/treatment program for your pet. Topical treatments like Frontline, Revolution, Advantage and ProMeris are available.  Newer oral medications like Comfortis are also highly effective.  Your pet should be protected by one of these products each month to prevent flea infestation. 

Ticks:
Yet another parasite that is a common problem during the warmer months. Ticks are not only an irritant and nuisance to your pet, but may transmit several serious diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis). Many flea prevention/treatment products will also help with control of ticks. We can help you recognize ticks and show you the proper way to remove them from your pet.  If you simply try to remove the tick by pulling, you may leave its mouthparts embedded within your pet’s skin. Owners whose dogs have substantial exposure to ticks (eg, sporting dogs, dogs that go camping, and those spending time in forest preserves or woods) should also ask for advice about the appropriateness of a vaccination for Lyme disease.

Heartworm disease:
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that can potentially be fatal to your dog or cat. Many people are familiar with heartworm disease in dogs, but are unaware that cats may also contract the parasite.  Heartworm disease was reported in cats in 38 states by the American Heartworm Society.  In fact, cats infested with heartworms often have more severe clinical signs than dogs and a poorer prognosis. Have your dog or cat tested for the presence of heartworms and ask about heartworm preventatives. Treatment for this disease can be expensive and risky for your pet.  Prevention is easy and inexpensive. The fact that your dog only goes outside to go to the bathroom or the fact that your cat does not go outside at all, does not eliminate the risk of disease. Mosquitoes are everywhere!