Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to catch up on flea and heartworm prevention that may have fallen to the wayside over the winter. Think your pet is safe from parasites like fleas and mosquitoes? Think again.
Fleas like to congregate around shrubs, fence lines, and decks, and will lay microscopic eggs in the carpet which are brought into the house on shoes or clothing. Wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and possums carry fleas into your yard— exposing your pet without ever coming into contact with another dog or cat. In just 30 days, 10 fleas can become an infestation of up to 250,000 adult fleas (Bayer 2013). Fleas are the source of the most common veterinary skin problem—flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas also transmit tapeworm infections, and in severe cases, can cause anemia.
Even if your pet only goes outside for five minutes a day to use the bathroom, that is more than enough time for a single mosquito to land on and bite your dog or cat—which is how heartworms are transmitted. Heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening condition that causes damage to the heart and lungs, eventually ending in death. Strictly indoor cats need protection too! Heartworm disease is difficult to diagnose in cats and unfortunately there are no approved treatments for heartworms in cats like there are for dogs, so prevention is the only option. We offer a variety of options to help keep your pet protected:
FOR DOGS:
Trifexis: a monthly chewable tablet that protects against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites (hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms).
Advantage Multi: a monthly topical that protects against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites (roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms for dogs; roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites for cats).
Advantix: a monthly topical that protects against fleas and ticks. FOR DOGS ONLY—IS TOXIC TO CATS.
NexGard: a monthly flavored chewable that protects against fleas and ticks.
Iverhart: a monthly chewable tablet that protects against heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms.
Preventic Collar: a disposable collar that lasts three months and protects against ticks.
FOR CATS:
Advantage Multi: a monthly topical that protects against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites (roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms for dogs; roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites for cats).
Please see one of our knowledgeable staff members for a recommendation specific to your dog or cat’s needs.
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