Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious health problems for your pet. And because these pests can be active throughout the year, consistent parasite prevention is one of the best ways to keep your dog or cat healthy.
Fleas can cause itching, hot spots, dermatitis, tapeworms, and even anemia. Ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses such as Lyme disease, while mosquitoes can spread potentially deadly heartworm disease. Fortunately, many of these problems can be prevented with year-round protection.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas multiply quickly. An adult female flea can lay dozens of eggs each day, and once fleas make their way into your home, eliminating an infestation can be difficult. Dogs and cats can also share the same fleas, so it’s important to protect every pet in your household.
Itching and scratching are common signs of fleas, but you may also notice tiny black specks in your pet’s coat. This “flea dirt” is actually flea feces and will turn reddish when wet because it contains digested blood.
Ticks can be just as troublesome. A single tick bite can transmit disease, so check your pet regularly—especially after spending time outdoors. Pay close attention to the head, ears, neck, and paws, although ticks can attach anywhere on the body.
If fleas have already made their way into your home, successful control may require treating your pets as well as their living areas and your household.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, heartworm continues to pose a risk to pets across the country.
One of the dangers of heartworm disease is that many infected pets don’t show symptoms until the disease has progressed. In dogs, advanced infection may cause coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and a swollen abdomen.
Cats are less likely to develop the same type of heartworm infection seen in dogs, but they can suffer from serious heartworm-related respiratory disease that can be difficult to diagnose.
Treatment is available for dogs with heartworm disease, but it can be expensive, lengthy, and difficult on your pet. There is currently no approved treatment to eliminate adult heartworms in cats, making prevention especially important.
Year-Round Protection Is Best
Parasites aren’t just a summer problem. Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns can allow fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to remain active for much of the year, which is why our veterinarians recommend keeping pets protected year-round.
Boulevard Animal Hospital offers a variety of flea, tick, and heartworm preventives, and our veterinary team can help you choose an option that’s appropriate for your pet, lifestyle, and budget.
If your pet has not previously been on heartworm prevention, a heartworm test may be necessary before starting a preventive.
Prevention is always easier than treating the diseases and complications parasites can cause. To find the right parasite protection for your pet, request an appointment online or call Boulevard Animal Hospital at (772) 781-1118.
