Fleas and tick are very dangerous and harmful to pets. Unfortunately, it’s easy for your pet to come into contact with a flea or tick. At Sheehy Animal Hospital in Livonia, MI, we provide effective flea and tick treatment to all pets.
How Pets Get Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can be present anywhere. While fleas can survive in different climatic conditions, they prefer humid and shady places, like under a leaf. That's why they attach to the fur of dogs and cats. Fleas also have an incredible hopping ability, which enables them to jump on you or your furry friend unnoticed.
Ticks also live in numerous climatic conditions, but prefer humid and bushy places, such as the woods, shrubs, and long grasses. While ticks cannot jump like fleas, they cling to you or your pet through questing. These pests are found in wild animals such as raccoons, rodents, and birds.
Pet Illnesses Caused by Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks cause numerous infectious diseases, especially when they take blood from people or animals. Depending on the flea your pet is carrying, it may suffer from the following illnesses.
- Bartonella
- Flea tapeworms
- Murine typhus
- Anemia
- Flea allergy dermatitis
Each tick species infects pets with different diseases. Some of these illnesses include:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Lyme disease
- Bartonella
- Canine Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
If your furry friend has fleas or ticks, it’s vital to get treatment right away. Your pet’s condition could worsen or cause further health complications.
How to Identify a Flea or Tick Infestation in Your Pet
Fleas and ticks are small, making it challenging for pet parents to identify their presence. Nevertheless, you can use the following signs to know when your furry friend has a flea or tick.
- Unrelenting scratching
- The presence of flat brown insects and flecks
- Hair loss at the pet's tail base and unpleasant smell
- Raw, red wet spots
- Bumps
- Rashes
- Ticks attached to the skin of your pet
If you observe any of these signs, visit our Livonia animal hospital immediately so our veterinarian can examine your pet.
Flea and Tick Treatment
Flea and tick infestations demand exceptional pet care to eliminate them and keep your furry friend healthy. That's why when you visit our veterinary clinic, our specialist performs an exhaustive examination to determine your pet's condition.
We can then offer different treatments depending on the extent to which your furry friend is affected or infected. You may receive ointments, oral medication, topical medication, or more. Our veterinarian also provides preventative care to prevent future flea or tick infestations.
Visit Our Veterinarian for Flea and Tick Treatment
Preventing and treating flea and tick infestations is vital in keeping your pet healthy. At Sheehy Animal Hospital in Livonia, MI, we will treat your pet and offer preventative care. We also offer a wide range of other veterinary services and care for exotic pets. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
