Simply put, flea and tick prevention is worth the little bit of time and the little bit of money most common forms require. Not only does it keep your pet healthy, but it saves you time and money in the long run, potentially dealing with infestations or worse, tick related disease. Not only will your cat or dog be in serious discomfort (think itching, dermatitis, etc) but your home will be at risk as well.

 

Prevent an Infestation

 

While adult fleas are the ones doing the bloodsucking, the adult insects are the least of your worries. It’s the eggs, larvae, and pupae that can cause the real problem. Adult fleas and ticks can be killed relatively easily, but eggs and larva are almost impossible to detect until it’s too late. They hide in carpets, yards and various other places causing a tough to deal with problem.

 

Prevent Diseases

 

Skip the inevitable and expensive future fumigation and invest in keeping your pet and home happy and healthy now. In addition to a bug-free household, you will help prevent diseases that fleas and ticks carry such as Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis.

 

Another common problem associated with flea and tick bites is Cat Scratch disease. Cat Scratch is caused by a bacteria present in flea feces that accumulates under cat claws. Pet-owners are easily infected when they are scratched by their cats, thus the name “Cat Scratch” disease. However, successful flea control can help prevent this and other flea-transmitted diseases.

 

Fleas and ticks are at their worst in warm and humid climates, so start your prevention tactics ahead of time and continue them year round to ensure a happy, healthy and flea-free pet.

 

 

by Kim Compton

 

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.