FLEAS AND TICKS!!  OH MY!

Oklahoma State University

Fleas are a fact of life.  All of our pets are at risk, no matter the time of year or season.  We find flea infestations on both indoor and outdoor pets.  No pet is immune. Fleas can infest our homes, cause great distress to our pets, cause our pets to have anemia and severe skin conditions, transmit Tapeworms  and the bacteria that causes Cat Scratch Fever, and can even bite and irritate us.  Don't wait for an infestation to invade your home!  Ask us about the best flea and tick prevention options for your pet!  When it comes to Fleas: Know Your enemy!

Learn what the COMPANION ANIMAL PARASITE COUNCIL(CAPC) has to say about:

Fleas on Dogs and Fleas on Cats  

 Now click to learn about Ticks on Dogs and Ticks on Cats!

Steve Dale's Pet World

Bayer Animal Health

Ticks: Arthropod Parasites  can transmit serious diseases like Lyme Disease,  Ehrlichia Infection, and Babesia Infection in Dogs.

Steve Dale's Pet World Blog tests us with Dogs & Ticks: Myths vs. Fact

For the full story check out Dogs & Ticks.com

Merial, the manufacturer of Frontline Plus has a great illustrated demonstrations of the damage and diseases that fleas and ticks can cause!  Click on these links for an eye opening experience on the problems these parasites cause.  (These illustrations may take a few seconds to download)      

The Terrifying Tick  

FLEAS--The Bloodsucking Menace

Click this link to learn more about Frontline and to watch a video on How to Apply Frontline to help prevent fleas and ticks on dogs and cats.

Click this link to learn more about K9 Advantix,  another great product to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs.  This produce should NOT be used on cats.

For cats we recommend Feline Advantage Multi or Revolution .  These products will not only prevent fleas, but also deadly Feline Heartworm Disease, as well as prevent the intestinal parasites roundworms & hookworms, and prevent ear mites.

The EPA advises pet owners that when flea and tick products are used correctly, according to veterinarian and label instructions, they are very safe and effective. 

If label directions are not followed, and if products are misused and misapplied, especially to cats and small dogs, they may unnecessarily expose these pets to risks. The EPA found that adverse reactions were usually linked to improper product use, including using dog products on cats, and using products intended for big dogs on small dogs under 20 lbs. 

Please follow your veterinarians recommendations closely. 

If you choose to purchase products at non-veterinarian sources be cautious and careful!!

Click these links for more information on the safety of flea and tick products. 

Safety of Topical Flea and Tick Products an article on safe use from Pet Poison Hotline

Safety of Flea & Tick Products for Pets  A brochure from the FDA explaining how to use products safely 

At Deer Run Animal Hospital we remain confident in our recommendations for the proper use of Frontline for Dogs and Cats, K9 Advantix for dogs, and Advantage Multi for cats.  If you have questions or concerns, please ask us for more information!!