Importance of Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets in Centennial, CO

Bugs aren’t your pets’ friends. Fleas and ticks aren’t just nuisances; they endanger your pets and you. They carry diseases that are harmful to animals and humans that, when left untreated, could cause illness and even death. For these reasons and more, flea and tick prevention is essential to protect your pets from these pests and keep your home bug free.

Why should you use flea and tick prevention for your pet?

Your pets are like your family, so you want to give them the best care possible, which means keeping them pest free. The most troublesome pests for pets are fleas and ticks. Here are 10 reasons you should use flea and tick prevention for your pets.

1. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a skin condition. It causes itching and discomfort to your pets. Side effects of dermatitis include

• Fur or hair loss
• Skin infections
• Stress in your pet

2. Tick-born illness

Infected ticks can transfer tick-borne illnesses to your pets, such as Rocky Mountain Fever and Lymes disease. These are serious illnesses that may require long-term treatment.

3. Parasites

If your cat or dog swallows a flea, it could be infected with a tapeworm. These worms get into the digestive system clinging to the intestinal lining. You may notice pieces of a tapeworm around your dog’s backside or in their feces when they poop.

4. Anemia

Fleas reproduce quickly. When your cat or dog gets a lot of flea bites, they can develop anemia. It’s a serious illness that needs to be treated by a veterinarian. Symptoms of anemia include:

• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Death

5. Bartonellosis

Bartonellosis is an infection linked to fleas. Symptoms include

• Nausea
• Fever
• Irregular heat beat
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Confusion

6. Fleas and ticks in your home

If your pets have fleas and ticks, there is a good chance you’ll get them inside your house. Once these pests lay their eggs on your carpets or furniture, you’ll have an infestation in no time. Sadly, one treatment against fleas and ticks is usually insufficient due to the egg-hatching cycle.

7. Your family suffers from ticks and flea diseases

It’s important to understand the dangers of fleas and ticks to your family when your pets aren’t properly treated. Fleas can transfer parasites, tick-born illnesses, and even the plague.

8. Preventing fleas and ticks is best

Preventing disease or sickness is the best course of action. This way, you and your dog avoid sickness, pain, and stress caused by fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks do a lot of damage to humans and pets. It’s not worth it to go through these things rather than use preventative treatment.

9. Keep your dogs and cats happy

When your dogs and cats are pest-free, they’re happier and healthier. They are calm and sleep well. Your pets will be happier and enjoy playing and interacting with you.

10. Keep yourself happy

When you know your pets are healthy, you’re peaceful without worrying about their health or the health of your household. Flea and tick prevention costs less than medical treatment for illnesses from fleas or ticks.

How can you protect your cats and dogs from fleas and ticks?

Over-the-counter flea and tick medications-There are many over-the-counter fleas and tick preventative treatments. These are less expensive than prescription medications. Some aren’t effective, so talk to your vet about which ones they recommend to keep your pets pest free. Most over-the-counter flea and tick meds are topical.

Prescription flea and tick medications-These medications are prescribed by your vet. Depending on their size, age, breed, and other medical conditions, they will determine what is best for your pets. These prescription meds come in topical or oral medications. Oral medications are easier since you don’t need to apply for the medicine on your pet’s coat which can be ineffective if you do it wrong.

Keep your lawn trimmed-If your pets love to play in your backyard, keep your lawn cut. Tall grass is a common nesting area for ticks and fleas.

Treat your backyard for pests-If you live in a rural area where fleas and ticks are common, you may need to treat yours for these pests. There are natural sprays that pest control companies use to keep lawns free of pests.

Do your pets need tick and flea prevention in the winter?

Dogs and cats need tick and flea prevention all year long. Ticks and fleas may not be as prevalent in winter, but they’re still around. Fleas can survive outdoor temps as low as 33°F, and ticks survive as low as 32°F. Many places in the country experience warm spells in the winter, which cause fleas and ticks to get active.

Conclusion

Your pets are part of your family. Keeping them healthy and safe is a big priority. Flea and tick prevention is essential for your pet’s well-being and the well-being of your home. It may be time to begin if you’ve been reluctant to use these prevention measures. Your pet’s health is worth it.

If you have any questions regarding your flea and tick prevention for your pet, call our veterinarian at (303) 850-9393 or Make an Appointment online! Here at Festival Animal Clinic, we would be more than happy to assist you and your pet!