Flea and Tick Prevention from Our East Islip Veterinarian
Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are common around East Islip and other nearby NY communities. For humans and pets alike, these pests can be at best a hassle and at worst a potential threat to health. East Islip veterinarian Dr. Louis F. Reda and the rest of his staff encourage all pet owners to maintain a regular flea and tick prevention routine for all their animal companions at home. Read on to learn more.
The Dangers of Fleas and Ticks
Spring and summer mark the height of flea and tick season; however, your pet may be at risk for exposure at any time of year. These little critters carry diseases that can infect dogs, cats, wildlife, and even humans. In some cases, flea and tick-borne illnesses that affect our pets can even be transmitted to the humans in our home!
As if you need any reason to dislike fleas, ticks, and other bugs, here are a few specific problems associated with these parasites:
- Fleas - it's not just itchy irritated skin that your pet (or you!) may have to contend with if infected by fleas. These critters also carry other potentially harmful diseases including haemobartonellosis, tapeworms, and cat scratch disease (which is actually more harmful to pet owners than pets). Fleas can also lead to dermatitis, an uncomfortable allergic skin reaction that can lead to infections.
- Ticks - commonly found in swampy or wooded areas, ticks can transmit a variety of diseases including Lyme disease anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, and more. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms in your animal, including lethargy, lameness, bruising, depression, and reduced appetite.
- Mosquitos - "mozzies" often carry heartworm larvae, which can then be transmitted to your cat or dog via a mosquito bite. These larvae get into your pet's bloodstream and can end up in the heart and other organs, where they grow to become heartworms--literally worms that can clog your pet's arteries. If left untreated, heartworms can lead to organ failure and death.
How Our Veterinarian in East Islip Can Help with Pet Flea and Tick Protection
It's impossible to completely reduce you and your pet's exposure to fleas and ticks; even indoor animals are at risk. You can reduce your risk of fleas and ticks by keeping a trim and tidy yard, regularly vacuuming and cleaning your home, and thoroughly inspecting your animal's coat, skin, and ears after every trip outside. However, the best pet flea and tick protection are topical and/or oral medication given to your animal on a consistent basis, all throughout the year. Our veterinarian in East Islip, Dr. Reda, will help you decide which type of flea and tick prevention medication is the best for your animal, based on its breed, size, and overall health.
Please note: it's extremely important that you do not give dog medication to your cats and vice versa, as these meds can be potentially toxic if given to the wrong species, or if provided in an unsafe amount.
In addition to providing preventive medication, our East Islip veterinarian team can also test your animal for parasite-borne illnesses. If any are detected, we can initiate proper treatment as soon as possible to reverse and/or manage the disease, thus minimizing your pet's symptoms and maximizing its quality of life.
Contact Our East Islip Vet for More Information
Is your animal protected from fleas, ticks, and other parasites? Don't take a gamble; schedule a consultation with our veterinarian in East Islip today at All Friends Animal Hospital. Contact us at (631) 277-8700 today!