Flea and Tick Prevention:

     Fleas and ticks can cause such a wide range of medical problems. Everything from Lyme Disease, to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Haemobartonellosis, and even dangerous amounts of blood loss have been transmitted through flea and tick bites. Prevention of these bites can help keep our four legged friends from becoming ill. Pet owners can tend to forget or even brush off prevention because they do not realize it can happen anywhere at any time.

     Certain areas you live or travel do carry different risks. Not all states, cities, and towns have a ridiculous amount of fleas and ticks, but it is a common myth that just because you cannot see them, does not mean they are nonexistent. Colder weather may reduce these infestations, but they have an incredible ability to survive even in burrows, under decks, in sheds and around foundations. Additionally, while outdoor animals do pose a higher risk to exposure, indoor animals can still be exposed from their human parents tracking fleas and ticks inside after walks and hikes, squeezing in those crawl spaces or even visiting your outdoor shed. 

 Fleas like the Ctenocephalises felis and canis, and ticks like the Brown Dog tick or Lone Star Tick have been carrying a numerous amount of diseases for centuries. Lyme disease, which causes symptoms such as high temperatures, lethargy, swollen joints, and even kidney disease, has been transmitted to both animals and humans. Haemobartonellosis, transmitted to both cats and dogs, can suppress the immune system, cause depression, weight loss, fever, and in some cases death. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which also effects both animals and humans, can cause anything from blood in urine and/or stool, to anorexia, and inflammation of the eyes. Prevention of these parasites are beneficial to dogs and cats, as well as their human parents.

  
  There are several steps you can take to minimize your household risk of infestation and your furry children from becoming a host to fleas and ticks. Year around prevention through topical or oral medication can help detour from bites or even kill the parasites after trying to attach to a host. Running a flea comb after a hike or contact in a possibly infested area can also reduce the number of parasites. Closing off crawl spaces and placing screens over vents can help from them entering your home.  In severe examples, you can even hire an exterminator. It is very beneficial  to research your surroundings and discuss options with your local veterinary clinic to make sure you can perform the best form of prevention for your household.