Flea & Tick Treatment

Preventing Flea and Tick Infestations

Year-round preventive medication is the most effective way to stop infestations before they start. Regular grooming and inspecting your pet's coat after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas, helps catch fleas and ticks early.

To keep your pet and home flea and tick-free:

• Use preventive treatments as recommended by your veterinarian and stay on schedule.

• Check your pet's coat regularly, especially after walks or time outdoors. Part the fur near the base of the tail and belly.

• Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water to kill eggs and larvae.

• Keep your home clean. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture where your pet rests. This removes eggs and larvae before they develop.

• Maintain your yard. Trim grass and clear leaf litter to reduce outdoor hiding spots for fleas and ticks.

Consistency is key. Staying on schedule with preventive treatments and routine wellness visits helps ensure your pet remains protected throughout the year.

Finding the Right Protection for Your Pet

Flea and tick preventatives vary in formulation, duration, and coverage. The most effective choice depends on your pet's species, size, lifestyle, and health status. We offer a range of options, including oral medications and topical treatments, each designed to target different parasites and provide varying lengths of protection.

Our veterinarians will evaluate your pet's individual risk factors and recommend a preventive that best fits your pet's needs. If an active infestation is present, we treat it promptly and develop a prevention plan to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

Signs include excessive scratching, biting at the skin, hair loss, red or irritated skin, and tiny black specks (flea dirt) in the coat. Part your pet's fur near the base of the tail or belly to check.

Can indoor pets get fleas and ticks?

Yes. Fleas can enter your home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Ticks can be carried indoors on clothing or attach during brief outdoor exposure. Prevention is still recommended, especially in multi-pet households.

What's the best flea and tick prevention for dogs?

It depends on your dog's size, health, and lifestyle. Options include monthly oral medications (NexGard, Simparica, Bravecto), topical treatments (Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix II), and long-lasting collars (Seresto). We'll help you choose.

What's the best flea and tick prevention for cats?

Cats require cat-specific products. Many dog treatments are toxic to cats. Safe options include topical treatments like Revolution Plus or Bravecto Topical, and collars designed for cats like Seresto for Cats.

How often should I give flea and tick prevention?

Most preventives are given monthly. Some provide extended protection up to 8 weeks, or up to 8 months for certain collars. Year-round prevention is recommended, as fleas can survive indoors during winter and ticks remain active above freezing.

I found a tick on my pet. What should I do?

Remove it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Monitor for signs of illness over the following weeks.

Can fleas and ticks make my pet sick?

Yes. Fleas can cause anemia, transmit tapeworms, and trigger severe allergic reactions. Ticks transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How do I get rid of fleas in my house?

Wash all pet bedding in hot water, vacuum thoroughly, and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. Household flea sprays or foggers may be necessary. Treat all pets simultaneously and maintain consistent prevention to break the flea life cycle.

Are over-the-counter flea products safe?

Not all of them. Some are less effective, and certain ingredients can be harmful, particularly for cats. Products containing permethrin are toxic to cats. We recommend veterinarian-approved preventives for the safest protection.

Can fleas and ticks spread to humans?

Fleas can bite humans, causing itchy red bumps. Ticks readily attach to humans and can transmit diseases, including Lyme disease. Keeping your pets protected reduces the risk of fleas and ticks in your home.