Wondering what you can do right now for National Pet Wellness Month? A great place to start is protecting your pets from one of their most common threats—parasites. Here's some helpful advice on recognizing the warning signs and exploring treatment options for heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
Flea & Ticks
Fleas often seek the warmth of indoor environments during the winter months, so keep an eye out as the season approaches. Ticks, on the other hand, thrive outdoors and are notorious for spreading diseases like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. Warning signs your pet may be infected with fleas or ticks:
- Persistent itching
- Rashes
- Hair loss
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
Keep your pet protected year-round, options include injectable, oral, and topical treatments. Many preventives protect against fleas and ticks. The safest, highest-quality medications are available through your veterinarian, not over-the-counter products.
Heartworms
Transmitted by mosquitoes, this parasitic condition can be fatal to cats and dogs, causing heart failure if untreated. Symptoms include:
- Constant dry cough
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly
- Difficulty breathing
Heartworm prevention is available as injectable, chewable or topical options. Use by veterinary prescription only—beware of online options. If a pet owner stops preventive treatment and then starts it back up once their pet has contracted heartworms, this could take a deadly physical toll on their furry friend. It’s important to test after the pet is off the preventive medication. To avoid any potential issues, keep your pet on year-round heartworm prevention.
