Your pets are much more likely to encounter fleas, ticks and heartworm in the summer. Fleas and ticks thrive in warmer weather, as do mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm from animal to animal. Don’t overlook the problems these pests cause: Fleas can trigger dermatitis and hot spots, one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases and heartworm can be fatal.
During this time of year, you should thoroughly check your pets for fleas and ticks on a daily basis. Although these critters can be anywhere on your pet’s body, they prefer posting up near the head, ears, neck and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas if you notice little black specks that resemble pepper or bits of dirt.
Heartworm disease is on the rise, and is very serious for pets, as it can result in heart failure, lung disease and even death. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, which results in worms producing offspring inside your pet. These worms live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of an infected animal.
Preventive medications are the best way to keep fleas, ticks and heartworm away from your pets. No matter which medication you choose, you should still check your pets for fleas and ticks regularly, and heartworm testing should be part of your pets’ annual wellness exams. At OC Veterinary Medical Center, we offer a wide selection of flea, tick and heartworm preventative products for dogs and cats, which will help rid your pet of these nuisances.
If you’re not sure which preventive medications are right for your pets, schedule an appointment with us today by calling (714) 602-4713.