The Importance of Continued Flea and Tick Treatment in the Spring and Summer

Just like allergies wreak havoc on so many children and adults during the transition into spring and summer, fleas and ticks cause just as much discomfort to our pets. This is especially true in Florida, where the warm weather begins extremely early. But just starting a flea and tick treatment isn’t enough! You need to maintain that regimen throughout the warm weather months to ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.

Here’s What to Know About Fleas

Fleas are bad news. Once they lay eggs on your dog or cat and begin to reproduce, a flea infestation is much harder to stop. Some dogs and cats can even develop anemia from flea infestation, and it’s possible for fleas to carry tapeworm eggs!

This is why preventative and continual treatments are so important. Though fleas are often too small to see easily, you may notice flea feces that looks like dirt in your pet’s fur. These dark clumps are actually dried blood sucked from your pet. Keep an eye out for symptoms like red and irritated skin, severe scratching, and general discomfort.

A Quick Guide to Ticks

Ticks are the primary carrier of Lyme Disease, which you most definitely don’t want your dog or cat to contract. Though ticks don’t reproduce with the same uncontrollable fervor as fleas, they still pose a serious danger to your pet. They will attach to your pet’s skin outside, attach themselves, and begin gorging. While it’s always possible to remove ticks, the much better option is to prevent ticks from attaching themselves at all using a prescription medication.

The Best Treatments are Prescription-Grade

You aren’t the only one who might need a prescription from the doctor to get over a health issue. The best and most efficient flea and tick treatments are the options provided with a prescription from your pet’s veterinarian.

Bravecto is one option that is available in chew and topical solution to provide up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection with just one single treatment. That’s nearly three times longer than over-the-counter monthly treatments, and far more effective as well. NexGard is another popular option that kills fleas before they lay eggs to help prevent infestation. It also kills the four most prevalent kinds of dog ticks.

The prevention and treatment of fleas and ticks is a serious responsibility that should be done with the guidance of an experienced veterinarian. You can trust Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa, Florida to give your dog or cat the personalized and compassionate care he needs! Call (813) 991-9898 to make an appointment today.