Living in the East Bay means wonderful weather and outdoor activities. Our relatively mild climate means that pets and pests co-exist. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are the most common parasitic bugs. Whether they are indoor or outdoor pets, we have to protect our pets year round. We hope to help you successfully navigate the world of parasite prevention!
Fleas are persistent, irritating creatures. Even an indoor lifestyle does not protect our pets from fleas as they often hitch a ride on our shoes or pant legs in order to feast on our pets. Urban wildlife such as opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and rats bring numerous fleas into our yards. Fleas feed on the blood of the domestic animals (and sometimes people too) through bites in the skin. They spread disease and cause allergic reactions, which can cause a whole lot of scratching! Pets react to flea saliva, and end up scratching, biting,
Ticks can transmit many tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Erhlichiosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain, Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis. They are found in grassy and wooded areas and often latch onto dogs and cats when they are walking through tick habitat. Tick prevention is best accompanied by using Frontline or Advantix in dogs and Frontline in cats. No tick prevention will kill ticks immediately, but if used regularly (on a monthly basis) will prevent ticks from biting and attaching.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquito bites to dogs and cats and is prevented by Sentinel in dogs and Revolution in cats. Check future website articles for a more detailed explanation of heartworm and mosquito prevention.
An ounce of prevention can prevent months of problems. The adult flea (5% of life cycle) is just the tip of the iceberg. The entire flea life cycle (eggs and larvae make up 85%) needs to be controlled. No one product treats all the parasites.
We want to keep your pet “parasite free”. Our knowledgeable staff and doctors are able to answer any questions you might have and design a plan for your pet’s unique lifestyle. Our main priority at Diablo View Veterinary Hospital is to make sure that not only are your pets protected but your family as well.
Advisory Note: Though it is tempting to obtain veterinary products online such as your flea and tick medications, it may not be the safest for your pet. Though they may look the same, online products are not guaranteed because manufacturers are unable to assure quality control once it leaves their controlled facility. We have adjusted our prices to stay competitive with the online stores. We hope that you will continue to support your local veterinarian and local economy. Thank you.
FLEAS, TICKS, MOSQUITOES
By Dr. Jennifer Tutko, DVM
JUNE 2010
