07/05/2020
July 12,2020
Ticks are prevalent now and the health risks associated for you and you pet can be detrimental both physically and financially.
Geographically here are a few of the more prevalent ticks with the disease they can transmit.
East coast:
American Dog Tick transmitting Rocky mountain spotted fever.
Blacklegged Tick transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi (LYMES), anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichia.
West coast there are many but of prevalence is the Rocky mountain wood tick transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
In the hospital setting there are in house tests that your pet can be screened that takes only a few droplets of blood and the test can give a response with in 10 minutes. If there is additional testing needed to determine if your pet is infected the hospital can request from their designated laboratory to do a titer which can give a 99% specificity on whether your pet has been infected.
I would recommend a few products that are very effective and safe to use on your pet.
Bravecto chewable dogs 6 months and over.Its good for 3 months!
Simparica chewable dogs over 6 months which is monthly.
K9 Advantix for dogs application monthly on the skin.
Seresto collar good for 8 months.waterproof and very effective for ticks.
Each of there products you will need to consult with your primary veterinarian as to which is best for your pet,which products also is effective for fleas, and intestinal parasites. You will also need to keep in mind some pets can have a negative response to these products such as neurological signs.
Cats :
Seresto Collar.8 months coverage.fleas and ticks.
Frontline plus. topical application on skin for flea & tick monthly.
Frontline Gold. good for kittens 8 weeks old. topical application and covers both flea & ticks.
Lastly if you do not like to use substances such as these mentioned on your pet there are alternative ways to ensure your pet is parasite free.
Frequent combing. Natural non insecticide based shampoo , washing your pet every 4 weeks.
I personally use a wipe on called "Pet Naturals" it is good for both cat and dogs. the main ingredient is Lemongrass! it's produced by a veterinarian in Vermont. I jog my dogs on trail each day and wipe them down prior(body,around face,legs.) I have never had a problem. I also bathe my dogs every third week with a natural non insecticide based shampoo. If both of my dogs were not sensitive to the other veterinary choices mentioned I would be absolutely using them for the concern and damage a tick born disease can bring.
Inspect your pet daily(ears,face,coat,legs)!!!!
Thanks and if you have questions concerns please reach out.
Flea & Tick season! Keeping your pet safe and yourself.Tips on prevention and minimizing exposure:
1. Monthly topical agent applied between the shoulder blades. There are many products on the market. I do recommend to purchase these products from your veterinarian.
2. Chewable products are very effective and some are good for three months.Again please purchase these items through the veterinarian.
3. Wiping down your pet daily with natural wipes. flea combing, bathing are all effective measures to reduce exposure of the parasite to your pet and to yourself. Stay away from things like garlic which is said to be effective against fleas since it can be truly harmful to your pet.
