The team at Rainbow Veterinary Hospital knows that in our neck of the woods, we get to experience warm sunny weather just about every day. But the lack of cold winter months does come with a few drawbacks–parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm are around during any season. So, it’s critical to keep up with your cat or dog’s prevention schedule throughout the year. That’s why our Burbank veterinarian team offers parasite testing and prevention services to help keep your pets safe and healthy.

What Health Problems or Diseases Can Be Transmitted by Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm?

If your cat or dog spends times outdoors and/or around other animals, then they are inherently at risk for exposure to flea, ticks, and other bugs. Without adequate protection and preventative medicine in place, your animal may be at risk for several kinds of parasite-carried health problems, including:

  • Dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that can lead to red, itchy, and inflamed “hot spots” on the skin
  • Lyme disease, which can cause lameness and lethargy
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which can lead to joint pain, muscle pain, and fever
  • Bartonella, with symptoms including eye problems, fever, GI distress, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers

Heartworms are transmitted into dogs and cats via mosquitos, where they grow from larvae into full-sized worms–some over 12 inches long! These can become extremely dangerous for your animal, as they can block blood flow to the heart, lungs, and other important organs. Symptoms and complications of heartworm in a cat or dog include fatigue, weight loss, persistent cough, and decreased activity. If left untreated, heartworms can lead to abdominal swelling, organ failure, and even death.

Tips for Protecting My Pet From Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm

1. Thoroughly check your pets and yourself for ticks, fleas, and other bugs after spending time outdoors.

2. Practice good home maintenance by keeping your yard trimmed and tidy and your floors and carpets clean. You may also want to consider flea/tick repelling plants, including sage, rosemary, citronella, lavender, and lemongrass.

3. Keep up with your pet’s preventative medicine all year long. A regular and comprehensive preventative medicine schedule (with pills and/or topical ointments prescribed by your Burbank veterinarian) is the best way to keep your pets safe from exposure to illness. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian if your pet gains or loses weight, to ensure the correct dosage.

Is Your Pet Adequately Protected? Make Sure With Your Burbank Veterinarian 

From time to time at Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, we offer some huge discounts on parasite testing and prevention, along with first-time client deals. Our Burbank veterinarian team believes firmly that disease prevention is easier, less expensive, and less stressful than disease treatment, so we’re committed to helping every cat and dog receive the caring, comprehensive, and customized preventative care to keep parasites away. To schedule a pet wellness exam with us today or to learn more about our veterinary services, call us now at (818) 846-1166.