Flea and Tick Prevention
Our veterinarian near Allegan offers parasite prevention for kittens and cats.
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Allegan Animal Clinic can evaluate your pet to determine the best type of flea prevention medication.
Health Hazards Of Fleas And Ticks in Cats
Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your cat. 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 cat, 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 cat’s 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.
For cats 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 urgent situation.
Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available
When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Allegan Animal Clinic can help you decide which method is best for your cat, depending on his or her lifestyle.
- Flea Collars – Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations. Kills on contact.
- Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your cat, it ingests the medication and dies.
- Spot-On Treatments – Placed between your cat’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
- Sprays – Sprayed onto your cat’s fur to control in-progress flea and tick infestations. Can last as long as 30 days.
Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Allegan Animal Clinic
When it comes to controlling fleas and ticks, you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your cat and advice on how to rid your home of flea infestations. If you are looking for a medication where the parasite does not need to bite your cat in order to be killed, we may recommend flea collars and spot-on treatments. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. If you have a current flea infestation, you may want to use a spray treatment that kills fleas and ticks on contact.
