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Small in size, but with big health impacts: Avoiding flea and tick infestations with preventative care
They may be tiny, but fleas and ticks can have an outsized impact on the health and well-being of your pet! Services to help pets minimize their risk of external parasites are largely part of our broader preventative and wellness programs. Avoiding these threats to your pet’s good health and happiness are second nature to us. So, when looking for a vet near me in Jacksonville, Florida, it is important to prioritize providers like Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf, who truly have your pet’s best interests at heart. We know there are numerous benefits to avoiding potential risks and/or managing and resolving them quickly. Our team has made it as easy and affordable as possible to maintain proactive professional care, courtesy of our Wellness Plans covering parasite screenings, deworming, core vaccinations, and more.
What are the signs of flea problems?
You may need to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later if you notice tiny flecks or specks that look like black pepper on your dog’s or cat’s fur. This may be “flea dirt,” which is the waste produced by these unwanted critters. Since the fleas can cause your pet to be itchy, you may notice lots of uncharacteristic behaviors, such as intense scratching. Your pet can scratch their skin and fur when infestations are not addressed promptly. They may develop open sore and skin infections secondary to the fleas. As parasitic creatures, fleas can cause anemia as they bite and consume your pet’s blood. Small pets, puppies, and kittens are particularly at risk of this serious complication when infestations are heavy.
And are there any telltale signs of ticks?
Ticks tend to burrow themselves into the folds and creases of the skin and body, such as the area between the legs and trunk and on the paws (between the toes). They can also be spotted on the neck and in the ears. Often, they fall from trees or attach to legs when traveling through wooded and grassy areas. Like fleas, ticks can cause itching, skin irritation, and blood loss or anemia. In fact, adult female ticks have been known to consume up to 100 times their weight in blood.
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How can I protect against and control fleas?
Yes, protection is always the best measure. We can advise you on the right flea preventative for your pets based on unique factors. We will advise you on the right doses based on your pet’s weight. Following our instructions, which align with the manufacturer’s directions, is essential. It’s particularly important never to use flea preventatives made for our canine friends or feline companions because they may contain toxic cat ingredients! We can also suggest ways to kill adult fleas and their eggs for existing infestations. Otherwise, your pets will become infested all over again. These steps may include applying flea-killing products in the home and yard.
And how can I stay ahead of ticks?
You should always check your pet after you have been in an at-risk area. There are special products specially designed to remove ticks. But tweezers will do, too. The technique is important. Grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as you can and gently pull it free without twisting it. Then, you can crush the tick, taking care to avoid any disease-causing fluids during this process. As with flea preventives, we can recommend the right product for your pet, tailored to their evolving needs. We may also suggest ways to make your household and pets less attractive to ticks, including removing any overgrown brush or grasses in your yard.
Call (904) 560 8006 to schedule your pet’s wellness visit in Jacksonville, FL. When you call Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf, ask about our money-saving, health-boosting Wellness Plans.
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Dr. James Gillen
Dr. James Gillen is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 12. He knew growing up he wanted to be a veterinarian because it brings together the two things he loves most – animals and people. He completed his undergraduate degree at Florida State University and afterwards worked as a veterinary technician, an SAT/ACT tutor, and a high school teacher before completing his veterinary degree at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019.
Dr. Gillen has special interests in dermatology and academia and co-authored two research papers in canine atopic dermatitis and Leishmaniasis. In his free time, Dr. Gillen enjoys anything involving the water (beach/pool, surfing, scuba diving), going to theme parks, exercise (weight lifting, running, biking, boxing), and science fiction books – among other genres. Dr Gillen lives with his wife and son, one dog, two cats, and a ball python.