External parasites like fleas and ticks can pose a health risk to your pet. Preventive antiparasitic treatments can help your pet avoid an infestation.
How do I know if my pet has fleas or ticks?
When examining your pet’s fur and skin, ticks are easier to spot than fleas.
Fleas are harder to see because they’re much smaller. If you suspect your dog or cat might have fleas, here’s a simple test:
- Have them stand over a white surface (a piece of paper or a white sheet)
- Rub your pet’s fur
- Place a drop of water on any black specks that fall down
- If red rings appear around the little black specks once the liquid is on them, your pet has fleas.
What should I do if I find fleas or ticks on my pet?
Treatment depends on the type of parasite. If your pet has a tick, you need to remove it as soon as possible, since ticks can transmit diseases (like Lyme disease). Use a tick-removal tool and be sure to remove the head. If you’re not comfortable removing the tick yourself, you can make an appointment with one of our technicians.
If your pet has fleas, you’ll need to use a flea-control product. Note that fleas can find their way into your furniture and carpets too. Several months of treatment might be needed to get rid of them completely.
How can I prevent ticks and fleas?
A parasite prevention treatment can offer your pet protection. There are many different products on the market (oral and topical), and you may find it difficult to decide what’s best for your cat or dog. Our team is happy to help you select the right antiparasitic for your pet.
Since ticks are often found in tall grass and wooded areas, we recommend avoiding these places to reduce the risk of getting bit.
