You don't want dangerous parasites on your pet or in your home. We can help keep them away or help you get rid of them if they've already found their way inside. The best course of action is preventive medicine. They are safe and effective at keeping parasites at bay. Call us to get your furry friend protected ASAP!
Why should I be worried about ticks?
Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America and they're now being found in areas where people and pets didn't previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren't just a nuisance, they can cause serious and sometimes deadly diseases. These include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Generally in our area of Windsor, Lyme disease carrying tick (Ixodes scapularis) numbers have been rising in the last few years.
Help! I found a tick on my pet, what should I do?
Don't panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on preventive medication. Some preventives kill ticks after they've come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide under your pet's fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your companion's for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside.
If you find a tick on your pet, you can call us to discuss the next step. We recommend that you bring the tick in with you for us to help identify the tick species and determine your dog's risk. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing, has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and decreased energy or coordination.
How can I remove a tick from my pet?
Ticks can easily be removed, although the important thing to keep in mind is to ensure removal of all the tick, including the buried mouth parts. There are special tools that can be purchased called tick twisters. These tick twisters assist in complete removal of these pests.
There is also a Lyme vaccination available for dogs so they can have antibody protection to the Lyme organisms in case of exposure. Please don't hesitate to call at 519-969-7390 to learn more.
Why are fleas so harmful?
Fleas can cause problems ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don't just stay on pets; they can bite people too.