If you knew you could protect your pets and family from itchy irritation, hours of cleaning, and certain dangerous diseases would you do it? If your answer is ‘yes’ (and we’re guessing it is), then you’ve come to the right place. The value of flea and tick prevention for pets goes far beyond just keeping a few bugs away; it can make a world of difference to the health of your pet and your family.
The Need for Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks put our pets at risk for a variety of dangerous illnesses and conditions. A monthly parasite prevention medication is your best protection against these tiny, but mighty, foes:
- Fleas – If you see one flea, you can be certain there are many, many more hiding on your pet and in your home. Fleas are passed easily from one pet to another, and find the warm environments of our homes the perfect breeding ground. Fleas carry tapeworm and diseases, such as bartonellosis (cat scratch fever) and plague. Many pets are severely allergic to flea saliva, which can cause an uncomfortable and sometimes serious allergic reaction.
- Ticks – By now most people know that ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to people and pets, but it doesn’t end there. Ticks can also pass along tick-borne encephalitis,
Why Year-Round Protection Is so Important
It can be tempting to skip your pet’s monthly parasite preventative during the winter months, but year-round flea and tick prevention is crucial. Fleas can be carried into our homes on our pets or even on our shoes, and pests of all kinds can be brought to Virginia via tourism during any time of the year.
Protecting Your Pet
Besides a monthly preventive medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, you can protect your pets and home from fleas and ticks in the following ways:
- Fleas often hide in shady, humid areas, such as tall grasses and weedy spots. Deter fleas from making their homes in your yard by keeping it trimmed and weed-free.
- Wildlife like skunks, raccoons, and coyotes are potential sources of parasites and transmissible diseases, so keeping them out of your yard is essential. Fencing, keeping bushes trimmed, and sealing holes in decks, siding, etc., can prevent wildlife from entering your yard.
- Inspect your pet’s fur and skin after he or she has been outdoors and remove embedded ticks immediately.
- Bathe and groom your pet, and wash his or her bedding in hot water regularly to cut down on pests.
We Can Help!
At Godspeed Animal Care, we recommend Nexgard flea and tick control for dogs. Nexgard is a tasty, chewable medication that a dog can start taking as early as 8 weeks old. Feline Revolution is our top choice for cats, since it’s easy to administer and offers protection against the most common intestinal parasites as well.
If you haven’t started your pet on a parasite prevention program yet, or need a refill, contact the staff at Godspeed Animal Care today!
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