Parasite Prevention
Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem! Warming temperatures mean year-round prevention is key to making sure your pet is protected from these pests or the diseases they may carry. Don’t overlook the problems they can cause: Fleas often trigger dermatitis, tapeworm and hot spots; one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm.
In addition to preventive medications, you should thoroughly check your pets for fleas and ticks on a daily basis if they’ve been outdoors. Although fleas and ticks can be anywhere on your pet’s body, they prefer posting up near the head, ears, neck and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas if you notice little black specks that resemble pepper or bits of dirt.
Both the incidence of Lyme disease from tick bites and heartworm from mosquitoes are on the rise around the country. Lyme disease is rarely fatal, but heartworm is more so because often there are no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. While there is treatment for dogs, it can be expensive and very hard on your pet.
In the Quad Cities, prime flea season is April through November. We strongly recommend that you use flea/tick preventative for your dogs and cats during this time. Heartworm preventative for dogs should be given year-round (along with an annual heartworm test). Consult the chart below to see available preventative options.
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For more information or to request an appointment online or call us at 563-386-9680.
