Here on the ridge Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance year round. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Our office can evaluate your pet and conduct proper testing to determine the best type of parasite treatment and prevention.

Pet Health Hazards Of Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms

Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.

Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Zoonosis is known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, runny noses and watering eyes.

Heartworm disease is on the rise in the United States and is prevalent in our area here in Magalia. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans. Because wild species such as foxes and coyotes live in proximity to many urban areas, they are considered important carriers of the disease.

Dogs. The dog is a natural host for heartworms, which means that heartworms that live inside the dog mature into adults, mate and produce offspring. If untreated, their numbers can increase, and dogs have been known to harbor several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. For this reason, heartworm prevention for dogs is by far the best option, and treatment—when needed—should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible. Learn more about heartworm medicine for dogs.

Cats. Heartworm disease in cats is very different from heartworm disease in dogs. The cat is an atypical host for heartworms, and most worms in cats do not survive to the adult stage. Cats with adult heartworms typically have just one to three worms, and many cats affected by heartworms have no adult worms. While this means heartworm disease often goes undiagnosed in cats, it’s important to understand that even immature worms cause real damage in the form of a condition known as heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD). Moreover, the medication used to treat heartworm infections in dogs cannot be used in cats, so prevention is the only means of protecting cats from the effects of heartworm disease.

Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available

When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are several different types of medications available over the counter, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars but not all of them are effective and some are even deadly. Magalia Pet Hospital can help you decide which prevention option is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle and advise the proper use of guaranteed parasite prevention. Please inform the staff of your pet's history of seizures or allergic reactions so that proper prevention can be carefully chosen by the doctor. For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation and you should seem care immediately.

• Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies. These are very safe to use and are generally viewed as a treat by our pet. Other benefits include no greasy spot on your pet's coat, and ease of administration and efficacy. 
• Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Most kill fleas and ticks on contact, but these products should only be purchased through a veterinary hospital, or reputable pet supply location to avoid any possible product tampering. Products such as Sargent's, Hartz and Pet Armor (and others) are not recommended. All topical flea treatments for cats should be labeled as such, as canine concentrations can be fatal. 
• Sprays – Sprayed onto your pet’s fur to control in-progress flea and tick infestations. Can last as long as 30 days, but must be applied safely to avoid contact with mouth and eyes. 
• Flea Collars – Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations, kills on contact during active time frame described on the product. These should not be applied to outdoor pets as they do not have a safety break away option and can result in injuries or even death. Skin irritation where collar makes contact is sometimes observed and typically results in the need for medical treatment. 

Magalia Pet Hospital carries the following options for flea, tick and heartworm control.

1. Simparica chewable tablets for dogs. This is a once monthly tasty chew that prevents fleas and ticks for 30 days. 
2. Simparica Trio for dogs. Trio is a combination chewable prevention that keeps your dog safe from heartworms, round worms, fleas and ticks for 30 days. 
3. Proheart injectable heartworm prevention is done in the office, after a negative Heartworm test, and has two options for longevity. Your dog would have protection from Heartworm disease for 6-12 months depending on your choice. 
4. Vectra is an over the counter, once monthly topical flea and tick prevention that lasts for 30 days. 
5. Selarid/Revolution is a topical heartworm, mite, flea and tick treatment for cats that lasts for 30 days.