Flea & Tick Prevention with Your Katy Veterinarian

You might not find it especially alarming to observe your dog or cat scratching at an itch -- but the source of that could indeed be cause for concern. Fleas and ticks are common pests known for causing irritation, but that doesn't make them any less of a threat due to their ability to transmit dangerous diseases and encourage secondary health problems such as skin infections. Keeping fleas and ticks off your best friend, as opposed to treating an existing infestation, is the safest and easiest course of action. Here at Katy Area Veterinary Medical Group, we can offer your pet a lifetime of protection.

Why You Need to Keep Fleas and Ticks Away From Your Pet

Fleas and ticks have some notable differences; for instance, fleas may lay a couple dozen eggs at a time, while ticks will lay thousands of eggs in a single effort. But these very different pests have one thing in common -- their bite can irritate a pet's skin, causing a reaction called dermatitis. The resulting itching compels animals to scratch, bite, or lick the irritated area, often until the skin is broken. The open wound then serves as a doorway to bacteria that can cause serious infections.

Another, even more serious danger posed by both fleas and ticks is the risk of disease transfer through the pest's bite. Fleas are notorious as carriers of plague, tapeworms, cat scratch disease and haemobartonellosis. Ticks are known carriers of ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease. These conditions can wreak havoc on your pet's health. That's a prime reason you want to try to prevent flea and tick infestations, as opposed to simply treating them as they occur -- by which time, your pet may have already taken on serious diseases.

Flea and Tick Prevention and Treatment Strategies

You can rely on your friends at Katy Area Veterinary Medical Group for a variety of smart, effective flea and tick prevention strategies. The most important of these is the use of preventative medications that keep infestations from taking hold. Preventative medications may be administered to your pet via topical application, oral drugs, or flea/tick collars. Most of these options require regular monthly re-application, without fail, to assure consistent protection. (Collars may last for several months at a time, but they, too, need to be replaced periodically.) We can recommend the right type of flea and tick preventative for your pet's individual needs. Our veterinary team can also advise you on preventative habits around the house, such as vacuuming upholstery regularly and keeping your lawn mowed short.

If your pet already suffers from a flea or tick infestation, don't panic. Our veterinarians can prescribe effective treatment to remove those unwelcome guests. Medicated baths, for instance, can rid your pet of pests quickly and easily.

Call Our Katy Veterinary Team Today

Your pet deserves a happy, healthy life free of fleas and ticks. Call (281) 398-1551 to discuss a preventative care program with our Katy veterinary team!