Fleas and ticks are prevalent when temperatures rise, but contrary to popular belief, they actually threaten your pets year-round. They are the most common parasites in cats and dogs, and while small, can cause your pet big health problems. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team explains some of the most common flea and tick diseases and the best methods for preventing your pet from falling victim to these pesky parasites. 

Understanding fleas and ticks

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that latch onto an animal’s skin and feed on their blood. Common diseases that fleas cause or transmit include: 

  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — Many pets have allergic reactions when flea saliva is injected into their bloodstream, causing inflammation, excessive itching, and hair loss. 
  • Tapeworms — Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. 
  • Anemia — Blood loss can cause anemia in pets, especially in small kittens and puppies. 
  • Murine typhus — Fleas infected with murine typhus can transmit the disease to pets and humans. 

Common diseases that ticks cause or transmit include: 

  • Lyme disease — Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged, or deer, ticks and can cause headaches, fevers, joint pain, and fatigue. 
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever — This serious tick-borne illness can quickly become severe if left untreated. Signs include fever, joint pain, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and bleeding. 
  • Tick paralysis — Toxins in tick saliva attack the nervous system and cause motor paralysis in the pet, which leads to weakness, respiratory issues, loss of appetite, vomiting, and paralysis. 
  • Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis — These bacterial infections cause signs that include loss of appetite, joint pain, anemia, bleeding, or neurological issues. 

Flea and tick prevention

While these diseases can be dangerous and cause serious health problems, you can prevent your pet from infection with several products, including: 

  • Topical treatments — Topical treatments are applied directly to the pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades, on the back of their neck, or on their back. These treatments spread across the skin’s surface and kill fleas and ticks upon contact, preventing infestations. Topical treatments are highly effective and a good alternative to oral medications, if your pet is difficult to pill. 
  • Oral medications — Pills, chewable tablets, and flavored treats are effective and generally convenient for you and your pet. The medication, which is administered monthly, enters your pet’s bloodstream and kills the fleas and ticks when they bite. 
  • Collars — While less effective than topical and oral medications, collars are a good alternative for pets who refuse these treatments. The collars are infused with chemicals that kill fleas and ticks on contact. But, before you buy, check with our veterinarian and ensure a collar is the right option for your pet. 

At-home flea and tick prevention

In addition to using flea and tick preventive measures, taking the following extra steps at home can reduce the risk of infestation: 

  • Environmental control — Vacuum your carpets and furniture and wash and change bedding—yours and your pet’s—to remove fleas and ticks and their eggs. 
  • Yard maintenance — Keep your lawn mowed and remove weeds, tall grasses, and debris, where fleas and ticks thrive. 
  • Regular grooming — Brush your pet regularly, especially after being outdoors, looking for fleas and ticks on your pet’s skin, and removing the pests before they can become a problem. Tick removal can be difficult, but our team is ready to help.

Flea and tick prevention is essential for your pet’s health and comfort. Fortunately, you can easily prevent flea- and tick-borne diseases, but you must first pinpoint the best method for you and your pet. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team is always ready to help. Contact us, so we can recommend your best strategy and demonstrate safe tick removal.