Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms, Oh My!
Spring means warmer weather and the appearance of our pets' biggest parasitic threats...fleas, ticks, and heartworms. According to the American Kennel Club, Alabama experiences a year-round flea & tick season. We also have one of the highest incidence of heartworms in the US. as determined by the American Heartworm Society.
Fleas are not just bothersome to your pet, they are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Canine Ehrlichiosis, Canine Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.
Aside from regular baths and keeping your pet's bedding clean, a monthly medication is highly recommended to prevent these pests from infecting your pet. It is important to bring them in for an evaluation to determine the right medication for your pet.
Heartworms, a parasite that is only transmitted by mosquitoes, can be expensive to treat and deadly. The treatment regime for heartworms is very hard on a dog and dangerous, that's why prevention is the wisest approach in dealing with heartworms.
If your pet has not been on a regular heartworm preventative throughout the year...it's important to have them evaluated now, before mosquitoes are in full force. We'll find the right medication based on your pet's size. This might include a topical or oral medication.
As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is so true in preventing fleas, ticks, and heartworms, especially when you consider the cost and dangerous complications associated with these pests.
For an appointment to determine your pet's best preventative treatment options...call 967-7383.
Julie Grimes, DVM
Melissa Joseph Miller, DVM