Parasites such as fleas and ticks can be a real danger to pets and cause them discomfort. They can spread various diseases such as Lyme disease or intestinal worms through their bites. We advise our patients to use a preventive antiparasitic treatment to protect their furry companions.
Fleas:
Fleas are small jumping insects that attack animals and feed on their blood. If they get caught in your pet’s fur, they can cause severe itching and allergic reactions. Fleas can transmit intestinal worms and blood parasites through their bites. Once they get into your home, they may take up residence in your carpet, on your cushions, in your furniture, and so on. We recommend using an anti-parasitic treatment for your pet to avoid a real infestation.
Ticks:
Ticks are usually found in tall grass, woods and areas where deer are also found. They’re becoming more and more common in Québec. When an animal comes near them, they cling to their fur and feed on their blood. At first, ticks are very small, but as they feed, they gorge themselves on blood, becoming bigger and larger. Once they’re full, they detach themselves from the animal’s skin and return to the wild to lay their eggs. Ticks can transmit various diseases through their bites. When you see a tick in your pet’s fur, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. However, you have to be careful not to crush it and make sure you remove it properly to get it out intact. If you don’t know how, please contact us.
What are preventive treatments against parasites?
There are many antiparasitic treatments that protect animals from both fleas and ticks. They come in multiple forms, such as topical applicators you put on your pet’s coat, or flavoured chews. These treatments repel fleas and ticks and most require a veterinary prescription. Be careful with over-the-counter treatments, as some can be toxic to your pet. If you have questions about antiparasitic treatments, please contact us.
