Have fleas and ticks become a menace in your home? Our veterinarian in Hyde Park can provide you with solutions to get rid of them permanently. At Pershing Animal Hospital, Dr. Jewell can also show you how to prevent them from coming back.
How Dangerous are Fleas to Pets?
Fleas are dangerous because they can transmit diseases to pets. Some of the most common diseases that fleas spread are:
- Tularemia - a serious (though rare) disease that can affect the liver, lungs, and other organs
- Bartonellosis - a bacterial infection that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms
- Allergies - pets can develop allergies to the saliva of fleas, which can cause skin problems and hair loss
- Anemia - fleas can suck so much blood from a pet that they cause anemia
- Tapeworms - fleas can also transmit tapeworms when eaten by a dog, which are parasites that can live in a pet's intestinal tract
How Dangerous are Ticks to Pets?
Ticks pose a serious health risk to pets because they can transmit a variety of diseases, including:
- Lyme disease - a serious, often debilitating disease that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever - a potentially deadly disease that can cause fever, muscle weakness, and other symptoms
- Anaplasmosis - a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, and muscle pain
- Babesiosis - a parasitic infection that can cause fever, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen
- Ehrlichiosis - a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, and muscle pain
There are other diseases that ticks can transmit, so it is important to take steps to prevent them from affecting your pet.
Flea and Tick Prevention Tips
Preventing fleas and ticks from becoming a problem in your home is relatively easy. Let’s look at some tips you can use:
- Keep your animal clean and well-groomed - This will help remove any fleas or ticks that are present on the animal.
- Keep your pet's environment clean - This will help reduce the number of fleas and ticks that can live in your home.
- Use flea and tick prevention products - There are a variety of products available that can help eliminate fleas and ticks and prevent them from coming back.
- Check your pet for fleas and ticks regularly - This will help you catch any infestations early and treat them quickly.
Contact Pershing Animal Hospital in Hyde Park, IL
If you have questions about flea and tick prevention, contact Dr. Jewell in Hyde Park, IL. We will help you choose the best products for your pet and show you how to use them effectively. Call our team today at (773) 288-8888 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
