02/13/2024
Tick Newsletter, 2024
Well, I donβt think we have ever sent out a tick newsletter so early in the year but here we are! People are disappointed the canal has not been open for Winterlude and veterinarians are frustrated by the temperatures allowing ticks to spread their awful diseases almost year-round!
I was quite disappointed to see a friendβs picture of a tick in her arm the first week of February. That means our pets could be infected as well. We have had very tiny dogs (Yorkies and Chihuahuas) coming in with active Lyme, so painful they are having trouble walking. Last year we had a shocking number of cases of exposure to the disease Anaplasmosis in dogs with no travel history. This disease can rob animals of their platelets, causing bruising and spontaneous bleeding. The key to helping our pets avoid these diseases is keeping the ticks off and killing them if they do attach.
The products we carry and want to help you with can be a little complicated, so here is a brief summary:
K9 Advantix β a topical that kills the ticks before they attach and helps with mosquitoes and black flies, does not expire.
Nexgard β an oral control, kills the ticks and fleas after they bite, no heartworm test required.
Nexgard Spectra β an oral control, kills the ticks and fleas after they bite and provides protection from heartworm and intestinal parasites β requires an annual or every other year test for heartworm for us to dispense.
Nexgard Combo - a topical solution for cats, working on ticks, fleas, many other parasites, including tapeworm!
In order for us to provide you with protection, your pet does have to have had a physical exam at Hazeldean Animal Hospital within the last 12 months to have a current veterinary patient client relationship.
Until June 1st, Spectra is not needed in our dogs but if a 4Dx test is current can be picked up to be ready for the season. Unfortunately, we feel from what we have seen, outdoor pets should be covered for something to handle ticks now!
We, at Hazeldean Animal Hospital, are here to help you make the right decision for your family β please call to have us set aside you tick prevention.