Flea and Tick Prevention
Beach
Veterinary
Clinic
601 East Main Street
Beach, North Dakota
Appointments
Refills
Springtime means many things: warmer temperatures, sprouting plants--and increased flea and tick activity. According to the American Kennel Club, the most active season for fleas and ticks in eastern Montana and western North Dakota is April through November1.
Ticks spread Lyme disease along with a number of other illnesses. Flea bites are not only irritating and painful for your pet, but the parasites can also cause skin allergies and transmit tapeworms.
Even indoor pets are at risk of some exposure to fleas and ticks as the parasites will gladly hitch a ride into your home on your shoes and clothing.
Prevention Options
A number of previon options are available. The Beach Veterinary Clinic carries the following:
Nexgard
Nexgard is a monthly beef-flavored chewable by Merial available for dogs 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 pounds or more. The active ingredient afoxolaner kills fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system. It also acts against a number of different tick species, including the Lone Star tick, black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick.
Read more about Nexgard
Seresto
The Seresto collar by Bayer is an easy prevention option for dogs and cats with a single application. The collar provides protection and repels ticks and fleas for 8 months. It also works against sarcoptic mange and chewing lice. The cat and small dog designs have a breakaway feature as well.
Read more about Seresto
Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus by Merial is a monthly topical application that works by "stor[ing] itself in the oil glands in your pet's skin. It then self-distributes continuously for 1 month to your pet's hair and skin through the hair follicles."2 Doses are available for both dogs and cats.
Read more about Frontline Plus
Treatment
If your pet becomes infested with fleas or contracts an illness from a tick bite, treatment is available. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice a problem.
1 http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/whats-your-states-flea-and-tick-season/
