As with most medical problems, fleas and ticks are far easier to prevent than they are to treat. Fleas and ticks pose a threat to your pets. They can be mildly annoying or introduce a fatal disease to your pet. At Green Lawn Animal Clinic in Greenville, our veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Gerber, strongly recommends the use of flea and tick prevention as part of your pet’s life.
Signs Your Pet Has Fleas or Ticks
Fleas and ticks are usually more active during the warmer times of the year. Fleas are very small insects that run through a pet's fur at a quick pace. Ticks adhere to the skin and become bigger as they feed upon their host's blood. If your pet has fleas or ticks, it may act anxious out of discomfort.
Fleas cause extreme itchiness for pets as they dart about over the skin. If your pet is allergic to fleas, the discomfort from the itchiness intensifies. Your pet will likely bite or scratch at the skin if it has fleas. Ticks cause discomfort in the area where they bite the pet. The spot may become inflamed. You can usually feel an engorged tick on your pet as you move your hand over your pet’s body.
How To Protect Your Pet From Parasites
You can take some steps at home to protect your pet from contracting fleas or ticks. Make sure to perform routine maintenance of your property so that overgrown grass and weeds do not occur. Check your pet before it comes back into your home if it has spent time outdoors. Do this using a flea comb and keep a pair of tweezers on hand to remove any ticks if they are found. Launder your pet's bedding using hot water regularly. Also, keep up with vacuuming and sweeping to remove any flea eggs and larvae from your flooring.
Flea and Tick Treatment in Greenville, OH
If your pet is suffering from a flea or tick problem, our veterinarian will use medication to eradicate the problem. Different medication is used as a preventative measure if it is given to your pet each month. If your pet has a skin issue as a result of fleas or ticks, additional medication may be necessary to assist in the healing process. If your pet needs flea and tick prevention, vaccinations, or emergency care, call Green Lawn Animal Clinic today at (937) 548-2875 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Gerber.