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what to know about fleas, ticks, and your pet
In this blog, we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of flea- and tick-borne diseases, how you can help protect your furry friend from contracting them, and how our Optimum Wellness Plans® are a great way to support your pet’s health.
Flea-borne diseases and conditions
Even though fleas carry only a few diseases, they can still wreak havoc on your pet’s body, causing extreme itching and discomfort for the suffering pet as well as distress for the owner having to witness it. Below is a breakdown of flea-borne disease and conditions, their symptoms, and how to treat them. Additional information can be found here.
Tapeworms: Tapeworms are transmitted when a dog or cat swallows an infected flea, which can occur while grooming themselves. Once inside your pet’s intestines, the tapeworms can grow up to eight inches long and are often spotted in your pet’s poop. Other signs of tapeworms include your pet dragging their butt or scooting (evidently, worms on your butt are not comfortable). Specific deworming medication can be administered to rid your pet of the tapeworms.
Flea allergies: Some dogs and cats are allergic to flea saliva and can develop a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, scratching, constant grooming, red skin, and fur loss. When it comes to treatment, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and special shampoos can help, but one of the best ways to avoid flea allergy dermatitis is through flea-control products (more on that below).
Flea-related anemia: Though fleas are tiny, their bites can cause anemia (low red blood count) in dogs and cats with severe infestations. Symptoms of anemia include loss of appetite, pale gums, lethargy, and weight loss. In extreme cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Tick-borne diseases
There are varieties of ticks all over the United States, and many of them carry diseases. Below is a breakdown of the various tick-borne diseases, symptoms, and treatment. If you see that a tick has bitten your pet, this is a great opportunity to use your 24/7 Pet Chat™ access or book an in-person appointment with your veterinarian (and try to safely put the tick in a jar as well). Additional information on tick-borne diseases can be found here.
Lyme disease: Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of appetite, fever, lameness, and lethargy. If left untreated, it can cause kidney disease, arthritis, and heart disease. Treatment for Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics and monitoring for recurrence.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include loss of appetite, fever, muscle/joint pain, digestive issues, and hemorrhaging around the eyes, nose, and gums. Antibiotics and possibly hospitalization are used for treatment.
Ehrlichiosis: Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis include weight loss, fever, joint pain, and blood clots, and is treated with a course of antibiotics or supportive care if advanced.
Anaplasmosis: Symptoms of anaplasmosis include lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite, and is treated with a course of antibiotics.
Babesiosis: Symptoms of babesiosis include pale gums, dark urine, jaundice in the eyes and skin, and bloody poop. Treatment includes antimalarial medication and antibiotics.
Tularemia: Symptoms of tularemia include high fever, pain, jaundice, and organ failure. Treatment requires a course of antibiotics.
Flea and tick prevention
Thankfully there are ways to prevent your pet from contracting any one of these diseases or conditions. In addition to doing regular checks for fleas and ticks on your pet and keeping your home as clean as possible, the best way to prevent these little critters from bothering your pet is with year-round flea and tick prevention treatment.
Treatment can be administered in topical and oral form. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about which method will work best for your pet, and remember to stay on top of their scheduled prevention treatments. Skipping out on treatment will make your dog or cat vulnerable to a flea or tick bite, and prevention is much safer, easier, and less time-consuming than treating the disease or condition.
Prevention with our Optimum Wellness Plan Options
Flea and tick prevention treatment can be applied during our super simple drop-off appointments. You drop your pet off for their scheduled appointment, go about your day, and then pick them up when it’s convenient for you. You can either purchase the flea medication as an option of your Optimum Wellness Plan or as a separate item — just bring the medication to your visit and ask our team to apply it for you. Schedule your flea and tick prevention treatment now.
If your pet has an Optimum Wellness Plan, not only is diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, fecal exams for parasites, and vaccinations for Lyme disease included, you also get discounts on most other Banfield products and services, including flea and tick prevention. Learn more about all the amazing services that are included in our Optimum Wellness Plans, like unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, and more. We have plans for dogs and cats for every stage of their lives.
