Fleas and ticks never rest in their efforts to feed on the blood of pets just like yours. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about flea and tick prevention and treatment at Mokena Animal Clinic.
Flea and tick infestations may be a common occurrence, but that doesn't mean they should be disregarded as "normal." These parasites can cause transmit numerous diseases while also threatening the health of your pet's skin (not to mention his comfort).
The bites of these pests tend to trigger dermatitis, an allergic irritation that causes itchy, red welts to develop. As your pet scratches or bites at these lesions, the resulting damage to the skin may allow bacterial infections to gain a foothold.
Fleas are most notorious for carrying the deadly bubonic plague. But they are also known to transmit cat scratch diseases,
Ticks are infamous carriers of Lyme disease. They can also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and other dangerous diseases.
While the primary threat to most animals takes the form of skin problems and disease transmission, some small or fragile pets can actually die from the infestation itself. This may occur when large infestations cause severe blood loss and anemia.
Our veterinary clinic can keep your pet protected against flea and tick infestations through a course of regular preventative medication. We can prescribe one or more topical, oral, or collar-based preventatives that kill these pests in their early stages.
Just as preventative medications can keep fleas and ticks from reaching maturity, other medications kill adult fleas and ticks. We can use medicated shampoos and other options to make your pet pest-free again. Once the tick or flea treatment is accomplished, we can make sure your pet follows a proper course of preventative medicine to prevent recurrences.
Our veterinary clinic has all your answers where flea-tick prevention and treatment are concerned. Call Mokena Animal Clinic at 708-479-2811 today to schedule an appointment so we can administer the appropriate care to your beloved pet!
