Flea and Tick Prevention at Pet Medical Center of Westerville

The sight of a dog or cat idly scratching away at some itch is very common that many people wouldn't give it a second thought. However, you need to be concerned about the possibility of flea or tick infestations. These tiny creatures pack a big potential for causing health problems, not to mention their ability to make your furry friend miserable. The easiest way to keep these unwanted parasites away from your pet is through flea and tick prevention measures, which are available at Pet Medical Center of Westerville.

Problems Presented by Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are perhaps most notorious for their itchy bites they make once they latch onto a host to suck the blood. The itching is a form of contact dermatitis produced by substances in the pests' saliva. The more your pet scratches, licks, or bites the itchy areas, the greater the risk of a secondary wound or a bacterial infection developing. Severe flea infestations on young animals whose health is compromised may even prove fatal due to the loss of blood.

Another major concern involves the transmission of diseases from parasite to host. Fleas are known to transmit plague, haemobartonellosis, cat-scratch disease, and other illnesses through their bite. They can also give your pet a tapeworm infestation. Ticks transmit ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other infections. You can have fleas and ticks removed from your pet, of course, but by that point, a disease may already have been transmitted.

Tick and Flea Treatment and Prevention Options

Turn to Pet Medical Center of Westerville for your pet's tick and flea treatment and prevention needs. If your puppy or kitten is still too young to tolerate the necessary preventative medications, we can remove any intruders and advise you on measures to keep your pet away from fleas and ticks. Once your animal is old enough, we can put him or her on medications to prevent flea and tick infestation. Most of these products require regular monthly dosages or applications. If your furry friend has developed a complication from the infestations, we can provide the necessary treatment to restore his or her health, comfort, and safety.

Want to Protect Your Pet? Call Our Veterinary Hospital in Westerville

Don't assume that an itch is "just an itch." If you're worried about your pet's exposure to fleas and ticks, call Pet Medical Center of Westerville at (614) 882-7700 for an evaluation, treatment, or a course of preventative medication.