Having pets comes with the risk of them being bitten by certain parasites. Some of these parasites, including fleas and ticks, can transmit a host of diseases. Many of these diseases can cause injuries or even the death of your pet. That is why it is so important to get your pet a thorough pet exam and get him on flea and tick prevention treatments. If you live in or around Bellevue and need to start flea and tick prevention treatments for your furry friend, contact Animal Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.
Ticks and Pet Diseases
When a tick attaches itself to your pet, it stays attached to him with an open bite that they can keep drinking from. This makes your pet susceptible to getting bacterial infections that go from the tick straight into the bloodstream of your pet. These diseases can include ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and more.
Some of the diseases can greatly affect your pet's health and may even prove fatal. Tick bites can also be highly irritating to pets, and the bites can get infected. Flea and tick prevention is needed by all pets who can take it to prevent these serious diseases from ticks.
Fleas and Pet Diseases
Fleas can spread just as many diseases and conditions as ticks. When fleas bite, it is common for the pet to be allergic to its saliva. This causes flea allergy dermatitis that can be highly itchy and irritating. Pets often bite at these flea bites and make them worse. Your pet may also swallow one of the fleas and get tapeworms from it. Flea bites can also transmit bacteria to pets as well as cause anemia due to blood loss.
Fleas are fast multipliers. Getting a flea can soon lead to having dozens, or even hundreds, of fleas hiding in the fur and biting your pet. Flea and tick prevention is important to protecting the health of pets because of the diseases and conditions that fleas can spread to them. It is easy for pets to take this medication, with many companies making flavored chews or small pills that provide the needed protection.
Visit Our Veterinarians in Bellevue, WA
If your pet is not on flea and tick prevention medication, he or she likely should be. Even indoor pets need this medication to keep them safe. If you have questions about flea and tick prevention or to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians, call our team at Animal Wellness Center today at (425) 455-8900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.