Animal Health Clinic of Funkstown

Fleas and Ticks

Although Fleas and ticks are more prevalent during the summer months, they can be found year round.
Fleas can lead to more than just scratching. Some pets have an allergic reaction to fleas called FAD or Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
For every flea you see on your pet there are 10,000 more in the environment.
Severe fleas infestations can cause anemia in your pets.

Ticks transmit more disease in the U.S. than any other insect or spider. For example- Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichia Disease.
All tick stages feed for several days before dropping to the ground. Disease transfer can occur as early as 36 hours after attaching.
Female Ticks remain attached until fully engorged whereas, male ticks feed for short periods of time and move around more frequently.
Female ticks can lay thousands of eggs on the ground that are seldom seen.
DO NOT USE MATCHES TO REMOVE TICKS FROM YOUR PET. Use tweezers to properly remove a tick. Grip the tick as close to the head as possible, and gently twist. If you are concerned with removing the tick or if you are not sure you removed all of the tick, contact your veterinarian.
Both fleas and tick can be easily treated. Contact your veterinarian for their recommendations.

Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes.
They are the most dangerous of all canine and feline parasites.
Heartworm reside primarily in the heart and lungs . Heartworm can cause heart and lung disease, and if left untreated they can be fatal.
Heartworm can easily be prevented by having your pet tested regularly and placed on a monthly preventative. Pets should be tested every 1-2 years if on a preventative all year long, before starting a preventative or before restarting a preventative after a missed dose.
Most heartworm preventative treat internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
WARNING: NOT ALL HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVES TREAT ALL INTERNAL PARASITES. Be sure to carefully read the label so you know exactly what your pet is protected for. For recommendations on safe and effective heartworm preventatives consult you veterinarian.
Although dogs get infected with many heartworm; as little as ONE heartworm can be fatal to a cat.
Signs of heartworm disease can be difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, anorexia, and if untreated death.
Heartworm disease in cats can be harder to detect that in dogs. Radiographs, ultrasound, and blood work in addition to heartworm testing may be needed to diagnose an infection in cats.
28% of cats diagnosed last year as heartworm positive were strictly indoor cats.
The number of cats in the US that have Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease is the same as those that are Feline Leukemia or FIV positive.