Your pets can pick up fleas and ticks inside and outside the home. These pests can cause health problems, but there are preventative steps you can take to protect your pets and keep them happy and healthy.
Fleas and Ticks and Our Pets
Dogs are likelier to pick up ticks and fleas because they spend more time outdoors, but any furred pet can pick them up or pass them to each other. Understanding how they affect our pets and how to protect your furry friends helps prevent health issues such as:
- Rashes and skin inflammation
- Infection
- Scabs
- Constant scratching leading to psychological issues
- Potential disease transmission to pets and humans
Be Aware of How Your Pet Can Pick Up Fleas and Ticks
Your pets pick up ticks and fleas outdoors and in other settings. Both can move from host to host, live in carpeting or furniture, and travel on clothing. They remain on your pets and lay eggs unless a product kills them or they die naturally.
Because they multiply quickly, your pet or home could become swiftly infested with fleas. A pet with fleas or ticks should be isolated from other pets until you are sure their treatment is successful. This limits transmission between pets or the spread to other parts of your home.
Identifying When Your Pet Has Ticks or Fleas
The first sign of fleas is scratching, especially if your pet is allergic to flea saliva. You may notice red, irritated skin or welts. If you see a speck on your pet that moves, it could be a flea.
You may also notice fleas when you use a fine-toothed comb on your pet. If you do, you should immediately check other areas, particularly around the neck, belly, and hindquarters.
Larger ticks are easier to spot, but smaller ones are just as dangerous and may already be under your pet’s skin. An unusual bump that your pet is scratching may be an embedded tick. If you have questions about whether a spot on your pet is a tick, call your veterinarian for advice.
Protecting Your Pet Against Fleas and Ticks
You can take several steps to protect your pets against fleas and ticks. Your protection plan must cover the entire year, as ticks and fleas are always active.
- Ask your vet before choosing a flea or tick product.
- Bath and groom your pet regularly.
- Use dog-specific or cat-specific products to avoid skin or other reactions.
- Thoroughly check your pet and yourself after trips outdoors.
- Don’t hesitate to visit your vet if you suspect a problem.
Depending on your pet’s habits and lifestyle, your vet can recommend collars, spot flea treatments, or oral treatments for protection. They may also recommend a medicated shampoo to help treat your pet’s skin.
Visit Live Oak Animal Hospital For Help With Fleas and Ticks
Our award-winning Live Oak Animal Hospital veterinary team has decades of combined experience treating pets with ticks, fleas, or other problems. We are proud to be a locally-owned business and treat all of our clients and their pets like family members. If your pet has a flea, tick, or other potential health issue, contact us today for trusted care you can rely on.
