Our VP. Medical Excellence and Education, Dr. Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has answered some of the most common questions surrounding fleas, ticks, and other parasites in pets. Below you’ll find her advanced professional insights and learn key tips on how to keep your pet safe from parasites all year round!
1. Does My Cat Need Any Protection If They Are Indoors Only?
Parasites are everywhere and indoor cats are still exposed. Cats are hunters by nature. Indoor homes will still occasionally have moths, flies, beetles, or even small rodents inside. This can expose your cat to tapeworms, and other parasites that can be transmitted from hunting and eating these animals.
The warm climate inside most homes, including in the winter, is a good breeding ground for fleas which can gain entrance from other pets or humans, and they can carry diseases. Mosquitoes can find their way into the home. Heartworm is found within mosquitoes in all 50 states and there are limited, non-invasive treatment options for cats, so it’s really important to protect our kitties. Ticks can also enter the home through other pets or humans and carry diseases. Indoor commercial potting soil can sometimes contain round worm eggs. Last but not least, indoor cats can sometimes escape the house for a period of time, exposing them to all the risks outside.
2. Why Does My Pet Need Full Year Protection From Flea, Tick, And Heartworm?
While infection rate decreases in cold weather, pets are still at risk. Not only can outdoor parasites move inside during winter months, but climates are also less predictable, people move around, and pets sometimes travel. Parasites are showing up in so-called ‘a-typical areas’ more often. And the risks of infection and cost of treatment far outweigh the cost of prevention.
3. There's No Risk of Parasites Where I Live - Why Does My Pet Need Treatment?
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are found in all 50 states, and infections caused by these critters are on the rise in dogs and cats everywhere.
4. What Do I Do If I Discover a Tick on My Pet?
If you find a tick on your pet the ideal plan is to remove it as quickly as possible, ideally before it has attached or soon after it has attached. You want to grasp the tick as close to the site of attachment with tweezers (or a tick remover instrument recommended by your veterinarian) and pull straight back removing the whole head and body. If the tick looks to be strongly attached, or you are not familiar with tick removal, you should have your pet seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Take a picture of the tick or keep it in a secure container so the type of tick can be identified by your veterinarian. Do not touch the tick yourself. Even if you were able to remove the tick it is very important to talk to your veterinarian and let them know your pet had a tick on them and/or show them a picture of the tick for any possible treatment or testing that might be recommended afterward.
5. How Do I Know If My Pet Has Fleas?
Your pet will often be itchy, although that’s not a specific symptom of fleas.
The skin may look red and bumpy, especially if your dog or cat has been scratching.
You may see tiny adult fleas that jump or move away.
You may see tiny black specks that look like ground black pepper. This is flea dirt or excrement.
You can tell flea dirt from regular dirt by collecting black specks that fall off your animal on a white paper towel. Sprinkle them with water and if they turn a dark reddish brown that means it is flea dirt.
6. How Will I Know If My Pet Has Heartworm?
In the early stages your pet may have no symptoms. As the disease progresses you may notice any of the following symptoms:
A dry, unproductive cough
Decreased activity or lethargy
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Shallow or rapid breathing
Distended chest
Collapsing or fainting
Heartworm disease can be devastating and it’s so important to prevent it through year-round medication since it is called the silent killer.
7. Where Are Parasites Found?
Parasites are found almost everywhere. They’re found in the external environment, soil and grass, and living inside other animals that could bite dogs and cats or be eaten by dogs and cats thus transmitting the parasite to the pet. Many parasites are very mobile and can easily get within the house through open windows and doors or on other animals or even on humans.
If you have more questions regarding parasites or would like to explore protection options for your pet, our Thrive Pet Healthcare teams are always happy to help!
