Pests Gone Wild: Spring Flea & Tick Prevention
Know who else loves to be on the move when it’s warmer? Fleas and ticks! Problem is, their favorite vacation spot is your pet…and you, if they get close enough.
These pests are more than just annoying: fleas can transmit tapeworm and cause hotspots and dermatitis. Ticks are well-known carriers of many potentially debilitating diseases. In the Pacific Northwest, we see anaplasmosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
More concerning is the fact that once fleas and ticks are on your furry friend, it’s a short trip aboard the “pet express” to your home and family. All the tick-borne diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans.
That’s why we strongly urge you to make sure your pets have current flea and tick prevention during the spring and summer months. If you have an especially “outdoorsy” dog or cat, year-round flea and tick protection is a must. Our veterinarians prefer Credilio and Bravecto, (a 3-month chewable), but we do carry other options and will be happy to talk with you about what is right for your pet.
If you have questions about parasite prevention or want to get your pet in for a consultation, schedule an appointment online or call us at 503-446-2450.