Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem! Warming temperatures mean year-round prevention is key to ensure your pet is protected from these pests or the diseases they may carry. Don’t overlook the problems they can cause: Fleas often trigger dermatitis, tapeworms and hot spots; one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases; and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm.
Also, our pets can become infested with intestinal parasites (various worms like roundworms, hookworms or whipworms, or protozoal parasites such as Giardia and Coccidia) that can both cause illness to them, and in some cases, can be transmitted to people with sometimes devastating results.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY!
Flea and tick prevention have been revolutionized with the introduction of extremely safe and effective preventative medications that will both prevent flea infestation and will kill ticks before their bite can lead to disease transmission. These medications are often given by mouth, so you no longer have to apply topical insecticides to your pet’s skin.
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. Every year the Heartworm incident map that shows cases of heartworm disease enlarges, demonstrating that this preventable disease continues to spread as animals move from heartworm-prevalent regions to areas where it has previously not been a problem. Infected dogs can seem completely normal even while they infest the local mosquito population which then puts all pets in that region at risk unless they are on an effective preventative medication.
Internal and external parasite prevention is always the best treatment! We carry many different types of flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite preventives, and your Avenues Pet Clinic veterinarian can help you choose which one is right for your pet based on their lifestyle and individual needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 307-778-3007 or request an appointment online today.