Fairview Animal Hospital | Flea and Tick Prevention

As a pet owner, keeping your dog or cat healthy is always a top priority. Part of keeping your pet healthy is working with your pet's veterinarian to achieve flea and tick prevention. At the Fairview Animal Hospital in Independence, MO, we work with pet owners to find the right treatments and solutions for pets so they do not have to worry. Here are a few things to know about tick and flea prevention. 

Flea and Tick Prevention Should Start Early 

The earlier you can get started with a flea or tick prevention plan, the better things will be for your dog or cat. Even though there is not much you can do to prevent issues right after birth, you can implement solutions soon after. Typically, by the age of six or eight weeks, puppies and kittens can be good candidates for flea prevention treatment. Before that age, you can use a flea comb to manually remove fleas and bathe kittens and puppies with a gentle soap like baby shampoo and water to help eradicate some of the parasites. 

Fleas and Ticks Can Generate a List of Health Concerns 

Both fleas and ticks are incredibly common in most parts of the country and can bring about serious health concerns for your pet. Some of the common problems that veterinarians treat due to flea or tick issues include: 

• Pathogen transmission from fleas or ticks 
• Contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction that shows on the skin) due to flea bites 
• Anemia caused by flea or tick infestation 

Numerous Tick and Flea Preventions Are Available for Pets 

Not every type of flea and tick preventative available is suitable for every pet. Thankfully, you have a ton of options to choose from. Over-the-counter remedies like shampoos, flea collars, and topical agents can help. However, the most preferred and effective treatments are usually provided by veterinarians. For example, a once-per-month pill can be given to dogs and cats that can help prevent fleas and ticks for several weeks at a time. There are also some topical treatments that are only available with a veterinarian's prescription.

Contact Your Veterinarian in Independence to Talk about Protecting Your Pets from Fleas and Ticks 

With the proper care plan in place, you will not have to worry that your pet's health is being compromised due to fleas, ticks, or other types of parasites. If you are ready to find a solution for fleas and ticks for your dog or cat, reach out to us at the Fairview Animal Hospital in Independence, MO, to schedule an appointment.