If your dog or cat spends any amount of time outdoors, it's possible for them to contract fleas and ticks. These bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can spread very serious diseases that can lead to the death of your pet. Fleas are known to carry a variety of diseases, and they can be extremely unpleasant for any animal who is carrying them. Furthermore, fleas can jump to any animal living in the home, including human beings. Preventative medication is important for anyone who wants to protect their family. Ticks can also carry several different diseases, but the most common is Lyme disease. In pets, the symptoms of Lyme disease can be difficult to spot, making it difficult to treat the disease once it has progressed too far. This can be helped with regular visits with a Des Moines vet on at our animal hospital. We at Fleur Pet Hospital in Des Moines, IA, know a lot about flea and tick prevention.
Fortunately, there are several drugs of preventative care that can be prescribed by a veterinarian on our team.
Oral Medications
Flea and tick prevention drugs have been around for several decades. They are typically given to a pet about once a month. These medications cause glands in the animal to secrete a repellent substance onto the pet's skin. These types of medications have a very high success rate and a relatively low number of side effects. Side effects usually involve small amount of fur loss or digestive issues. You may also want to ask about combination pills that include heartworm medication.
There are several different brands of oral medication, but they all tend to function in roughly the same way. The pills are sized according to the weight of your pet, and most brands are formulated as pet treats rather than traditional pills, making it much more likely your pet will eat them. This makes oral medications a useful type of preventative care.
Topical Medication
Serums that are meant to be placed on the skin of your pet are a good way to treat active infestations of fleas or ticks while also working to prevent future infections. These serums are typically administered once a month. Treatment usually only takes a few minutes, and there are virtually no side effects unless your pet is allergic. The few animals that experience side effects usually just have some skin irritation. Topical medications are usually prescribed when an animal has an infestation, but if a pet responds well to the medication, it can be continued indefinitely as a preventative form of veterinary care.
Contact Us for More Information about Pet Vaccinations and Flea and Tick Prevention from a Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital
If you live in Des Moines, IA, and you're looking for a Des Moines vet, give our office a call at (515) 285-1297 Fleur Pet Hospital. Our animal hospital provides veterinary care and administers vaccinations for pets.
