Dangers of Fleas and Ticks

If your pet spends any amount of time outside, it is at risk of getting infested with ticks and fleas. However, there are effective tick and flea prevention measures that can protect your pet. At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket, ON, our veterinarian provides flea and tick prevention medications and other veterinary care services. Our veterinary team can also guide you on how to avoid infestations to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Why Are Fleas Dangerous to Pets?

When a pet gets infested with fleas, it can suffer from health problems. The flea bites themselves can cause allergic reactions and introduce bacteria into your pet. The allergic reaction, called parasitic dermatitis, can cause discomfort and itching, but it can also cause serious declines in your pet’s health with system-wide effects. Fleas can also cause diseases in pets thanks to the bacteria they let into a pet’s bloodstream. They can spread flea-borne typhus, cat-scratch disease, and tapeworms. The bites of fleas can also lead to anemia.

Why Are Ticks Dangerous to Pets?

When ticks attach to your pet, they have direct contact with the animal’s bloodstream. This can lead to even more diseases being spread to your pets. This can include Lyme disease, a serious illness that can harm your pet’s health and may even be fatal. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is another serious illness spread by ticks. These insects can also spread ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. Giving tick and flea prevention to your pet is an important way of safeguarding your pet’s health.

Visit Our Animal Hospital for Flea and Tick Prevention

If you need flea and tick prevention for your pet, visit North Yonge Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket, ON. At our animal hospital, we provide flea prevention through oral medications, topical medications, and vaccination for parasites. Call us today to schedule an appointment.