Fleas and ticks are everywhere! Though they are a bigger problem in certain parts of the country, no cat or dog is completely safe from them. Fortunately, many safe and highly effective products are available for monthly protection from these pests.
Fleas are ubiquitous because they are reproductive marvels; a single female flea can lay as many as 30 eggs a day and can live and breed on your pet for up to 100 days. The eggs then fall and land in carpets and upholstery where they can lie dormant for up to 8 months. To maintain flea-control in your home, you must:
- Regularly vacuum carpets, furniture, floors, and areas where your pet sits and sleeps.
- Wash your pet's bedding, toys, and towels weekly.
Beyond causing serious discomfort and infesting your home, fleas and ticks carry diseases dangerous to both you and your pet. Fleas can transmit tapeworm and cause intense allergic reaction and skin infections. Ticks can also carry a variety of serious illnesses to both animals and humans, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
The good news is that these problems can be avoided by using parasite prevention products that are available at our hospital. When used properly and according to our directions, these products are very safe and effective.