Texas Ticks & Mosquitoes: Protecting Your Pet from Heartworms & Lyme Disease
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes may be tiny, but they can cause big problems for our pets. In this blog, our team at Branch Vet puts these little pests under a microscope to underscore the importance of tick and mosquito protection for pets.
A Primer on Texas Pet Parasites
Tick and mosquito protection for pets is needed year-round in our mild climate to prevent the spread of diseases and other health problems these tiny pests can cause.
- Fleas are notorious for causing severe itching and discomfort, which can lead to skin infections and allergic reactions. They are also carriers of tapeworms and can transmit these parasites to pets through bites. Once fleas take up residence on your pet, they can quickly infest your home.
- Ticks, on the other hand, are vectors for serious diseases such as Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, which can cause a range of severe health issues in pets. Symptoms of Lyme disease in Texas pets include fever, lethargy, joint pain, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
- Mosquitoes are no less dangerous, as they are the primary carriers of heartworm disease. This potentially fatal condition (particularly for cats) can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in pets, making heartworm prevention for dogs and cats critical all year long.
Taking the Bite Out of Texas Pet Parasites
The good news is that with proper tick and mosquito protection for pets, we can limit the spread of Lyme disease and spare your cat or dog from the dangers of heartworms.
Here are some ways to be proactive in your efforts to protect your furry companions:
- Parasite control products: Use veterinarian-recommended tick and mosquito protection for pets, such as topical treatments and oral medications. These products are designed to repel and/or kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes before they bite your pet.
- Regular grooming and checks: Regularly groom and check your pets for parasites, especially after they’ve been outdoors. Pay close attention to the ears, neck, and between the toes, where fleas and ticks are likely to hide.
- Yard maintenance: Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming grass, shrubs, and trees to limit the places where pests like to hide. Remove any sources of standing water that might attract mosquitos.
- Avoid pest-prone areas: Limit your pet’s exposure to densely wooded areas and tall grasses. Stick to well-maintained trails and open spaces when taking your pet for walks.
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your pet’s health. We are happy to recommend the most effective parasite preventive for your pet and test your pet for heartworms and/or Lyme disease if necessary.
Prevention is Always the Best Medicine
Contact us today if your pet is due for a wellness visit or if you spot fleas or ticks on your pet. With appropriate prevention strategies, we can help protect your cats and dogs from the discomfort and dangers of Texas pet parasites.