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Pet Parasites

Vet Julia C Fearns provides a seasonal reminder about controlling these

UNFORTUNATELY, if you have dogs or cats, you may have more “creatures” in your home than you think. Spring and summer bring the highest problems with parasites including, fleas, ticks and mites.

Fleas breed at an alarming rate in warm weather and live happily in carpets, furniture, bedding and even outside and only jump on your pet (or you) for a quick meal. For every flea on your pet there will be many more in your home, and that’s not including the hundreds of eggs and larvae that will be lurking there too. Effective flea treatment aims at preventing an infestation and should include a product that works on the environment as well.

 

Ticks are very common in this area and start off small but, as they gorge themselves on blood, they swell in size. They can carry Lyme Disease and often cause a local reaction where they attach. There are spot-on preparations and collars available to stop ticks attaching on your pets.

Mites are usually too small to be seen without a magnifier or microscope. They live on the surface of, or just under, the skin and can cause an intense skin irritation and diseases like mange.

Prescrition Treatment

There is a wide array of flea and tick products available for dogs and cats. Usually the most effective and suitable preparations are available from veterinary surgeons and are classified as prescription medications. In order to have these products prescribed for it your pet would need to have been registered and examined by a vet to make sure the product is safe and suitable for that animal. This can sometimes seem to be an inconvenience but is the safest for your animal. Supermarket and pet shop products often do not effectively control parasite problems, so you may be best to contact your veterinary surgery for professional advice.

Prior to deciding the most suitable parasite product for your pet, we are happy to offer free consultations to examine animals.

For a flea-free year - prevent parasites!

The Fearns Veterinary Practice, Station Rd, Birnam 01350 727 999

 
 
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