Just like humans, cats and dogs are susceptible to parasitic infections. For pets, this is often the result of an infestation of ticks or fleas. These insects like to feast off of a host's blood supply, but in the process, they spread disease or damage to the host. If you suspect that your pet has ticks or fleas, you will need to seek care from a veterinarian. If left untreated, parasitic infections can turn dangerous for your pet. If you live in or around Edmond and need pest prevention for your furry friend, contact Glen Eagles Pet Hospital to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mollet.
Identifying Fleas and Ticks
As a pet owner, the best thing you can do to prevent these pests is to pay attention to your pet's behavior. Is your pet showing signs of fatigue, vomiting, excessive itching, or diarrhea? Have you noticed any red marks on his or her skin? These are telltale signs of a parasitic infection. If a pet is displaying digestive problems for longer than a few weeks, that animal will need veterinary care as soon as possible.
What Fleas and Ticks Do to a Pet
Ticks and fleas can carry diseases that are harmful to an animal. Once an animal is infected, the disease or parasite will spread throughout the host, causing long-term damage to the heart and lungs. While your pet is unable to communicate what he or she is experiencing, the infection could manifest through pain, aches, chills, or fever. Here are some of the vector-borne diseases that are found in cats and dogs:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Relapsing fever
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Tularemia
- Typhus
While some cases of a disease can be mild, other cases can result in severe organ damage or fatality. To prevent serious harm or illness to your pet, you will need to take preventative measures for protection. Frequent grooming sessions for your cat or dog should help and so should regular house cleanings. Our veterinarian can provide disease screenings, grooming, and medications such as Iverhart Plus.
Get Flea and Tick Prevention in Edmond, OK
Would you like to learn more about flea and tick prevention? Treating an existing flea or tick problem is harder and not always effective when it comes to helping cats and dogs. Prevention is key to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy for years to come. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mollet at Glen Eagles Pet Hospital, contact our team today at (405) 463-0600.