Flea and Tick Prevention in Pets

Most plants and animals tend to thrive when weather warms up, and unfortunately that also includes insects and other pests. At Ina Road Animal Hospital Tucson, AZ, we help pet parents to stay informed about how to recognize a flea or tick infestation in their pets, and how to prevent pests. Our veterinary team provides preventative measure for fleas and ticks and will treat your pet if it does get infected.

How Flea and Tick Infestations Happen

Fleas and ticks both feed on the blood of a host. Once they land on your pet and feed, their rapid life cycles allow them to reproduce quickly. Within hours of a blood meal, fleas can lay up to 40 eggs at once. Without treatment products to kill them, the number of parasites feeding on your pet increases exponentially within days.

Signs of Flea and Tick Infestations

It is important to watch your pet closely to look for behavioral cues before an infestation takes hold. All pets scratch, but persistent scratching may be caused by the itch from flea and tick bites. Though the pests are small, if you part your pet’s fur, you may be able to see them. Fleas jump quickly, while ticks tend to latch on to one spot, sometimes creating a lump on the skin. Check your pet’s bedding and favorite areas to relax. When infested with fleas, pets leave behind ‘flea dirt’, or small, dark granules of dried blood. In cases of long-term infestation, your pet may act tired and listless, which is a dangerous sign and requires an immediate trip to our veterinary clinic. As with other health concerns, flea and tick prevention is the best way to protect pets.

Flea Treatment and Prevention

If your pet is infested with fleas, then your home is likely teeming with them too. This is treatable with some simple steps. Use a reputable flea treatment product for your pet and some carpet spray for your home. Vacuum frequently and throw the bag away immediately, outside the home. If your pet is infested with fleas, visit our veterinarian. We will determine if your pet needs medication or simply a flea shampoo. Be sure to give flea treatment products each month, as prevention is much better than the alternative.

Tick Prevention

It is important to protect your pet against ticks, as they can carry dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease. Be sure to give your pet some form of preventative tick care. We offer oral medications that can easily be given to prevent ticks. It is important to keep up with these measures year-round. Monitor your pet while it is outside and check it regularly for ticks. If you notice a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers. Visit our veterinary team for assistance and to ensure your pet did not get infected with any diseases.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Vet in Tucson, AZ

If you need preventative care for your pet, we can help. At Ina Road Animal Hospital in Tucson, AZ, we will help you prevent fleas and ticks and treat your pet if it gets infested. Call us today to schedule an appointment.