Keep your Pet Safe from Ticks

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An external parasite found in tall grass and wooded areas, ticks attach themselves to the body of a dog or cat and feed on their blood. Large enough to be seen by the human eye, ticks are a common pest that pet owners here in Colorado face from March through early fall.

Known to carry a variety of diseases and able to infest humans as well as animals, ticks are a serious problem for pets and their families. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and other rickettsial diseases are some common and potentially fatal diseases carried by these pests. The bite of certain female ticks can also cause paralysis in dogs, making prevention even more vital to maintaining your pup’s health. While we don’t have documented cases of Lyme disease in the area, we do recommend vaccination and tick preventative for pets traveling to the Midwest and east coast.

Usually found near the head and neck of the host animal, ticks leave red, swollen welts as they move across the body. Check your pet regularly for ticks during the warmer months and use preventative products to further protect your furry friends. There are a few options available, with topical and oral medications being the most common options. In areas highly susceptible to tick infestation, consider treatment of your pet’s outdoor area.

Both topical and oral medicines have their advantages, and both are carried here at Powell Veterinary Service.  Our oral preventative is called Bravecto and will protect your pet for three months. One of our best topical treatments is called Activyl and is able to both repel and kill ticks that bite your pet.

When using topical medications, it is important to allow the product time to dry properly. Also, products that contain pyrethroid or amitraz are toxic to cats, so in multi-pet households, dogs and cats should be separated during and after treatment.

To learn more about tick prevention and to purchase medication for your pets, contact Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164.