Heartworms, fleas, and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Pinion Veterinary Hospital can evaluate your pet to determine the best type of flea prevention medication.
Heartworm Prevention Guidelines
1. The AHS (American Heartworm Society) recommends year-round heartworm prophylaxis for maximum effectiveness.
If seasonal treatment is elected then the dog must be tested immediately prior to starting prevention. Prevention needs to be started 1 month prior to the start of mosquito season and continued for 6 months after the end of mosquito season. This is not practical in our area as mosquito season is typically April thru October.
2. All dogs must test negative within 1 month prior to starting prevention
3. Puppies should be started on prevention as early as possible, preferably prior to 8 weeks. Puppies started on prevention after 8 weeks of age should be tested 6 months after starting prevention, then annually thereafter.
4. Dogs over 6 months of age must be tested immediately prior to starting prevention, then 6 months later, should be tested again, then annually thereafter.
5. Always talk to your Veterinarian about what options are best for your pet.
Seven years’ worth of Heartgard is the same as 1 treatment of active heartworm disease.
Pet Health Hazards Of Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.
Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Zoonosis is known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, runny noses and watering eyes.
For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation.
Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available
When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Pinion Veterinary Hospital can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Flea Collars – Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations. Kills on contact.
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
- Sprays – Sprayed onto your pet’s fur to control in-progress flea and tick infestations. Can last as long as 30 days.
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Pinion Veterinary Hospital
When it comes to controlling fleas and ticks, you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your pet and advice on how to rid your home of flea infestations. If you are looking for a medication where the parasite does not need to bite your pet in order to be killed, we may recommend flea collars and spot-on treatments. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your dog or cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. If you have a current flea infestation, you may want to use a spray treatment that kills fleas and ticks on contact.
For more information on our flea and tick prevention services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (775) 851-4218 today.