Fleas and ticks can carry a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis (a bacterial disease that infects white blood cells), barontellosis, also known as cat-scratch disease, and babesiosis, which destroys red blood cells. The American Kennel Club has detailed information on diseases that your pet may be exposed to.
In Virginia, tick season is April through September. According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, the most common ticks are the American dog tick, Lone Star tick, and deer tick. Ticks can transmit disease within three hours of being bitten. The Kennel Club also offers tips on how to safely remove ticks.
The more time your pet spends outdoors, the more often you should check for signs of fleas and ticks. Prevention is the key to keeping your animal healthy.
we asked one of them northern virginia magazineDr. Emari Yokota, founder of Well Whiskers, a top veterinarian, strives to help you better understand the signs of infection and how to prevent ticks and fleas in dogs and cats. Below are her practical tips to help your pet have a happy and healthy season.
What are the first signs that my pet may have fleas or ticks?
Fleas: Your pet may appear to be itchy in general. Some pets with flea allergies may not see any fleas at all. The most common visual sign is actually their feces. They appear as “flea grime” and look like black dandruff or coils. Hair loss or scabs may be seen on the buttocks, flanks, and soles of the feet.
Ticks: You may have never seen a tick bite. Some mites are the size of a sesame seed. As they grow older, you may encounter them while petting or brushing your dog. If the tick remains attached for several hours or days, the bite area becomes inflamed and swollen. Ticks are often engorged. Ticks of all sizes can transmit serious diseases to your pet, so it's important to protect your pet from bites.
What should pet owners do to prepare their homes and yards for flea and tick season?
Reduces garden treatment by pest control services [the] There is a risk of infecting you and your four-legged family member.
Remember that if your pet travels elsewhere, you can bring it back into the garden or into the house. 95% of the flea population lives in the environment. In other words, if you find 5 fleas on your dog or cat, there are statistically 95 fleas, larvae, and eggs in your home.
What is the most effective way to prevent fleas and ticks on pets?
While there are several great options, the best choice for pets who travel is the Travel with Pet treatment.
What are good products pet owners should buy to prevent fleas and ticks?
No product is perfect for all patients. It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine if topical products such as Frontline, Seresto Color, Revolution, or Advantage/Advantix are better than oral products.
Oral products (Simparica, Nexgard, Credelio) often have faster kill times and can also treat and protect against other bad parasitic infections such as scabies. Not all pets can tolerate these medications, so be sure to consult your veterinarian. Please be careful about the products you purchase.
Make sure it's a trusted medical information source. Cat owners should also be aware that cats are not tolerant to the same drugs as dogs. Make sure that any medication you give your cat is labeled specifically for cats. Failure to do so could result in expensive emergency visits.
you can make a reservation You can meet with Mr. Yokota at your home or at one of Well Whiskers' two offices, 6940 S. Kings Hwy., Ste. 208, Alexandria (at Harmony Animal Hospital). 11230 Waples Mill Rd., Ste. 125A, Fairfax (in the Animal Behavior and Wellness Center).
Featured image, stock.adobe.com
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