Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis.
Ticks can be kept off your pet and out of your home by keeping your pet on a tick preventative throughout the year – even during the cold seasons! Both indoor and outdoor pets should receive prevention since ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Parasite preventatives are available in both topical and oral formulas for dogs, and topical formulas for cats, and are very safe and effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry.
Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive – some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside.
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses range and can vary in severity, however, you should contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination. Though these may be unrelated issues, they could indicate tick-borne illness as well! Give us a call today if your pet is not on a tick preventative, we’d be happy to discuss your options and provide a recommendation based on your pet’s lifestyle and needs.
