Fleas and ticks can be difficult to get rid of once they latch onto your pet. Thankfully, a veterinarian can enact proper preventative health measures to ensure your pet’s comfort. Below are reasons to take a trip to the vet’s office and let them take care of your pet’s pesky parasites.

Why Turn to an Expert for Tick & Flea Prevention

1. They’ll Prevent & Treat Diseases

Fleas and ticks are conduits for many diseases. Parasitic dermatitis inflames the skin and opens wounds that can become infected. When dogs and cats ingest fleas to relieve itchiness, tapeworms can develop in their GI tracts and cause potentially serious issues like diarrhea and attendant dehydration, weight loss, and lethargy. Fleas can transmit typhus, which causes symptoms such as fevers, rashes, and headaches. Ticks carry Lyme disease and cytauxzoonosis, an infection that can be deadly to cats. Some of these health concerns can spread to humans. Veterinarians can recommend proper medications, products, and procedures to limit risk. They can also determine if your pet is a candidate for certain vaccinations and administer them. If problems have already occurred, they can also identify symptoms and provide rapid treatment to keep your pet healthy. 

2. Over-the-Counter Products Are Risky

The flea and tick treatments found at the store aren’t all created equal. It’s easy to accidentally misuse them, and they can cause adverse reactions even if applied correctly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even issued an advisory warning about the toxicity of these products and recommended veterinarian consultation. Veterinarians can identify and accommodate sensitivities to provide the safest medication. The chemical pyrethroid, which is found in many over-the-counter products, might be fine for your dog, but could harm your cat. 

3. It’s More Convenient 

Fleas can live as long as 12 months, while ticks can stick around for up to 3 years. Topical and oral treatments may not eliminate the parasites, so you may find yourself constantly spending on these products just to keep fleas and ticks at bay. One trip to the vet’s office may be all it takes to get rid of these pests for good, saving you time and money on treatments in the long run.

Place your pet in the care of the veterinarians at Parkview Animal Hospital in Lincoln, NE. With over 30 years of experience, they’ll provide the most effective preventive care or restore your pet to full health. Their high-caliber veterinary equipment and efficient treatment techniques create a reliable and comfortable medical service for your pet. Call (402) 423-6939 for visitation inquiries or visit their website to explore their services and offers.