Those Pesky Little Fleas and Ticks

By Medical Director Dr. Becky Rhoades

Every day while doing an exam on a pet, I will ask the client about their flea and tick prevention program.  Many respond with, “My pet doesn’t have fleas” and assume they don’t need to provide their pet with any prevention.  I gently advise the client that fleas and ticks are year-round in Florida, and are everywhere.

Even if the pet never leaves the property, stray pets or wildlife may visit the yard and spread fleas or ticks to their pet.  I strongly urge clients to keep their pet on a prevention program. Fleas and ticks are so tiny, sometimes you can barely see them.

But boy can they cause problems.  From sucking blood and causing anemia, to making your pet itch like mad, to carrying and transmitting diseases to both pets and people.   Even if you only see a couple of fleas, they breed like rabbits and can quickly turn into a massive infestation.

cat fleaIt’s worth the cost of prevention products to keep your pet healthy and avoid expensive veterinary costs due to a flea or tick induced illness. Flea and tick prevention products used to be smelly sprays, powders, or dips.  Owners dreaded treating their pets who sometimes suffered serious health problems from the caustic products.

The new generation of flea and tick products available today are safer and more convenient.  There are a variety of topical and oral therapies.  The topical products are usually effective and are easy to apply.  They must reach the skin so it’s important to part the hair when applying.

There are a wide assortment of monthly oral products for flea and tick prevention which are very effective.  Some products kill adult fleas and ticks for up to thirty days while others kill adult fleas and ticks for up to three months.  Some products work by sterilizing flea eggs which really works well for treating the environment.

Many oral products also help control other parasites as well such as roundworms, hookworms or even tapeworms to keep your pet healthy. I strongly recommend you meet with your veterinarian to discuss the best flea and tick prevention for your pet.

Here at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando we are conveniently open daily for appointments at both the Orlando and Sanford clinics.  We offer a wide variety of flea and tick prevention products at competitive prices.  Our veterinarians will review the specific needs of your pet and help you decide on the product which is best to keep your pet healthy and flea or tick free.

All Pet Alliance locations are closed Saturday, February 10. Come see us at Paws in the Park