Florida’s tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to breed and thrive. Such pests are not only dangerous for humans but for their furry friends as well. They can cause health issues, including allergic reactions, skin infections, and the transmission of diseases. The fast reproduction leads to an infestation in no time.
When pests can cause so much harm, leaving your pets unprotected and unattended is not safe. Fleas on your pet’s body can multiply quickly and cause uncomfortable itching and scratching. Ticks can latch onto your pet and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, which can result in long-term health issues.
As a responsible pet parent, it is important to adapt safety measures for pest management. This includes conducting regular pest control throughout the year as well as using vet-recommended products. If you suspect that your pet has fleas and ticks, visit a Clearwater veterinary clinic to relieve them from the annoying itches.
Understanding the dangers of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
Before you start to take measures to protect your pet, it is important to understand the various dangers posed by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Fleas
Flea infestations are not uncommon for pets, especially in Florida. These tiny pests feed on your pet’s blood and cause intense itching, leading to scratching and subsequent skin irritation. This irritation may lead to flea allergy dermatitis, characterized by red, inflamed skin and hair loss. Severe flea infestations can result in anemia, especially in young and small pets.
Ticks
Ticks are dangerous pests known for carrying diseases to pets and humans. Some common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever. Black-legged ticks spread Lyme disease and have symptoms like fever, headache, and a skin rash. The American dog tick and lone-star tick spread Rocky Mountain fever.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of heartworm disease, which is a common problem in pets. Heartworm occurs when an infected mosquito bites your pet. It can cause serious health issues, including congestive heart failure. The condition can be fatal if left untreated. Additionally, mosquitoes are also culprits for viral infections, such as the West Nile virus.
How to protect your pets from disease-spreading pests
Now that you know the various dangers posed by these pests, it is important to understand the various methods you can employ to protect your pets.
Fleas and ticks prevention
Fleas and ticks can be prevented using different methods, including topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. The topical treatments are applied to your pet’s skin, which provides a repelling effect. For example, Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats kills fleas in 12 hours and ticks within 48 hours.
You can also talk to your pet’s vet or visit an animal hospital to know about which oral medications will work best for your pet. They are chewable pills that require monthly administration. Some examples include Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio.
Finally, flea collars can provide a lasting solution, with some effectively repelling fleas for up to eight months. However, while collars can act as a temporary solution, they are not a long-term solution. This is because they typically kill the adult fleas and not the larvae. Moreover, you need to replace flea collars every three to four months for them to be effective.
Mosquito prevention
To prevent mosquitoes from biting your furry friends, you can use pet-safe products. For example, Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent for Dogs and Cats. It is recommended to go for something that uses natural products to help repel mosquitoes without causing harm to your pet. Remember never to use human repellents on pets, as they can lead to adverse reactions.
Protect your furry friend from diseases!
Just like you get annoyed by pests in your house, so does your pet. If you suspect that they have fleas or ticks or are suffering from a disease, visit your vet in Florida today!
