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Is Pet Flea & Tick Control Necessary Year-Round?

by Sam Salvati - 9/23/19

Despite their small size and seemingly low survivability, fleas and ticks can infest our pets through even the harshest weather conditions. Medication for flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats is necessary year-round.

The Dangerous Effects of Parasites

A flea infestation can be more dangerous than just a bothersome itch. Flea bites can lead to an allergic reaction or the transmission of cat scratch disease. Ticks on pets can lead to Lyme disease, tick paralysis, ehrlichiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If your furry friend has joint swelling, a fever, or lacks any energy, he may be infected with one of these illnesses. Early treatment is essential, so you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Home Prevention

In order to avoid these dangerous infections, you should use preventative medications, such as flea and tick pills for dogs year-round. These should ward off any pests that try to infest your pal. Always look out for flea or tick symptoms in your pet, and if you notice any, try removing fleas or removing ticks from home or visiting your vet.

Pasadena native Sam Salvati is the adoring dog dad to Pablo, Ester and Farris. He enjoys keeping abreast of and writing about the latest developments in pet care..

References

  1. https://scratchpay.com/blog/3-suprising-facts-about-fleas-and-ticks
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html
  3. https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/lyme-disease.aspx
  4. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102898&id=7417476
  5. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs
  6. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever-in-dogs
  7. https://www.petsmart.com/dog/flea-and-tick/flea-and-tick-pills/
  8. https://scratchpay.com/blog/how-to-remove-a-tick-from-dog-or-cat