Did You Know?!
As the old saying goes “the first step is acceptance”, this is especially true in pet care. Owners need to accept that any pet can pick up fleas or heartworm and your fur baby is no exception! See below for some hair-raising truths about fleas and heartworm.
HEARTWORM
- Heartworm comes from mosquitoes. You might be surprised to learn that heartworm cannot be transmitted from your pooch pigging out at the garbage can buffet or coming into contact with another infected dog. Heartworm can only be transmitted directly from mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a new victim, heartworm larvae are injected. If you've ever spent more than 2 minutes outside, you are probably well aware that mosquitoes are capable of penetrating through various layers of protective clothing. Similarly, despite your dog or cat having long thick fur, a mosquito is very capable of finding its way to the skin. This is especially true around the face.
- Indoor pets are still at risk. If you have ever been fortunate enough to experience the exotic mating call of the buzzing mosquito beside your ear in the middle of the night, then you already know that mosquitoes are accomplished in finding ways into the home. In the right conditions, mosquitos can establish a nest and survive in the home regardless the time of year. Whether or not you have a strictly indoor pet, it is important to properly protect against mosquitoes.
FLEAS
- Keeping a clean house will not guarantee protection. Outbreaks can occur in even the best cared for homes and pets. Simply having one flea enter the home can quickly turn into an infestation as they start to feed within minutes of crawling on a pet and lay thousands of eggs in short order! The numbers may jump quickly, but there are many available products to treat against fleas across every life stage.
- The signs are not always obvious. Even if your pet is not itching, biting or chewing their skin, they could still have fleas. In fact most pets with fleas do not scratch at all! Pets will only scratch if they are allergic to the flea bite which then produces a very intense itch—this sneaky characteristic is what makes fleas such a great parasite. As a result of this, many fleas go unnoticed until there are many of them breeding on our pets! But the danger of fleas does not stop at itching. Fleas can also be responsible for the transmission of tapeworms and other diseases.
Testing is always recommended. Treating against parasites is the first step in prevention but it shouldn't stop there. Performing hands on checks for fleas and testing regularly with a 4Dx test is always recommended. The 4Dx test is a simple blood test that screens for parasite transmitted diseases such as heartworm and lyme disease. Performing these tests on a regular basis and using safe and family fur-iendly products are essential in protecting your pet from parasite transmitted diseases. Ask the team at Sixteen Mile about what products are available to start protecting your pet today!
Other Articles
As tick populations continue to rise across Canada, pet owners are facing an increasing need to check their furry companions for these persistent pests. Ticks thrive in grassy, overgrown areas and can latch onto pets, searching for the perfect spot to feed. While their bites can be a nuisance, the bigger concern is the potential transmission of Lyme disease and other illnesses. This article explores how to identify, remove, and prevent ticks on your pets, along with the importance of regular testing and professional veterinary treatments to keep them safe.
Think you know what's in your pet's food? Think again! Many common pet food myths have been debunked, from the truth about "holistic" labels to the surprising benefits of by-products. Find out which pet food facts you can trust and which ones are just marketing fluff.
Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats, but it doesn't have to mean shredded furniture. Instead of resorting to declawing, which many believe to be a quick fix, there are humane ways to manage scratching. From nail trims and scratching posts to deterrents and soft nail caps, this article explores effective strategies to keep both your cat and your home happy.
Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, impacting the heart and lungs of primarily dogs, and sometimes cats and other mammals. **Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm can lead to severe cardiovascular issues and potential fatality**. Testing is essential before starting preventative medication, typically given monthly from June to November.
Did you know that heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and that fleas can infest even the cleanest homes? Many pet owners underestimate these parasites, but they can pose serious health risks. Whether your pet is indoor or outdoor, prevention is key. This article uncovers surprising facts about heartworm and fleas, along with essential tips to protect your furry friend.
Think ticks are just tree-dwelling pests? Think again! These tiny arachnids lurk in grass, can survive year-round, and pose serious health risks to both pets and humans. From proper removal techniques to essential prevention tips, this article uncovers the unsettling truths about ticks—and how to keep your furry friend safe.
As tick populations grow due to climate change, a rare but dangerous virus is making headlines: Powassan virus. Unlike Lyme disease, which takes 24 hours to transmit, Powassan can infect you in just 15 minutes. Learn why this virus is a growing concern and how to protect yourself and your pets.