Summer is in full swing which means fleas and ticks are thriving out and about waiting to find their new home. That’s usually your beloved pet.
We asked our Pharmacy Technician Manager, Ani, some important questions about fleas and ticks that can help you decide how to protect your pet this Summer and all year around.
Before we get into it, here are some fun facts about fleas and ticks to brighten up your day!
We spent a quiet afternoon interviewing Allivet’s Pharmacy Technician Manager, Ani. She’s been working for Allivet Pet Pharmacy for over a decade and has vast knowledge on all things fleas and ticks. This is what she had to say:
Q: What exactly are fleas and ticks?
Ani: Fleas and ticks are two of the most pet care concerns in the United States. Fleas are parasites that normally plague pets all over. They are wingless insects that feed on blood, and have the ability to jump two feet high. They are incredibly resilient and can live up to a year without feeding. Talk about waiting for the perfect meal!
“Fleas and ticks are incredibly resilient and can live up to a year without feeding”
Much like fleas, ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of our beloved pets. Like mites and spiders, ticks are arachnids. The issue arises when ticks transmit diseases through their bites. That’s when your pet may develop tick-borne illnesses and other infections.
Q: How do pets get fleas and ticks?
Ani: Dogs usually get fleas and ticks during walks near areas with high grass or abundant nature. For example, walking through the woods, rolling in grass and so on. It’s important to keep in mind that ticks undergo what is called questing. This means that ticks usually crawl on low shrubs or grass and they hang out waiting for your pet to pass by so they can get onto them. It’s sort of an ambush strategy. Ticks can also go a long time without feeding which makes them extra desperate when they see the potential of a new home.
Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms of fleas and tick infestation or Illnesses?
Ani: Signs of flea and tick infestation can be hard to pinpoint. With that said you should always watch out for:
- Flea droppings (dark specks) in the fur
- Flea eggs (white specks) in the fur
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Scabs or hot spots on the skin
You can feel ticks when you pet your cat or dog, and you can see them. They most often attach near the head, neck, ears, or paws. On cats, they’re usually found around the ears and eyes.
Q: Can humans get fleas and ticks from their pets?
Ani: Yes, humans can definitely get fleas and ticks from their pets. There are thousands of species of fleas, and most animals have a specific flea species that will always gravitate to an animal as its main host. While the flea that dogs typically carry can (and do) jump over to humans and bite us, the dog flea cannot survive in human skin.
Q: Can flea and tick illnesses be dangerous to pets?
Ani: Yes, they can be. Flea infestations can quickly get out of control because fleas lay eggs in such large numbers. At a rate of 40 to 50 per day for around 50 days, a single female flea can produce 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. Some pets develop severe allergies called Flea Allergy Dermatitis, and develop signs, such as itching, that may last long after the fleas have gone. Fleas are also responsible for transmitting tapeworm to dogs, cats and even humans. Fleas can spread bacterial diseases, too. It’s important to have a monthly preventative treatment for your pet when it comes to fleas and ticks. It’s the best and safest way to avoid any complications.
Q: What are some of the most common treatments of fleas and ticks in dogs and cats?
Ani: There are many flea and tick treatments that are safe for your pet. It’s always best practice to discuss with your vet before you buy anything. Not all pets will respond the same to these treatments and your pet’s health history must always be considered before choosing a medication.
In general, you have oral and topical treatments. Oral treatments include Nexgard, Bravecto, Sentinel, Trifexis, Comfortis, Simparica and others. All are effective in treating and preventing fleas and ticks. For topical options, you can choose from Seresto, Frontline, K9 Advantix II among other treatments. For a full list of treatment, head to allivet.com
Q: Why should I get my pet on a flea and tick treatment?
Ani: When the weather turns warmer, fleas and ticks emerge in greater numbers. Untreated, they can lead to serious illness and make your home a breeding ground.
Fleas and ticks are dangerous to the health of people as well as pets. For that reason, flea and tick protection is essential for all dogs and cats that live with you.
Q: Where can I purchase these treatments?
Ani: Allivet.com offers a wide range of flea and tick treatments ranging from oral to topical. They offer the same medications you find at your local vet, but for much lower prices and shipped directly to you. You can choose a one time shipment or an auto ship option for your convenience. Our team of experts takes care of your order from beginning to end, including contacting your vet for a prescription and updating you every step of the way. You can save hundreds of dollars every year by simply opting for an online pet pharmacy like Allivet.
Q: Does Allivet offer the same medications I would find at the vet? If so, what’s the difference between buying them there?
Ani: By choosing a fully registered online pet pharmacy like Allivet, you are guaranteed to pay the lowest prices for pet medications every month. Best part, you can avoid long lines or the inconvenience of heading to your vet’s office since the medications are shipped directly to your doorstep in a timely manner.
“Our mission is to take care of your pet and your pocket”
About Allivet Pet Pharmacy:
Allivet Pet Pharmacy has been around since 1992 catering to pet parents all over the US. We are a certified and accredited online pet pharmacy with a goal to help pets feel better and live longer. We carry thousands of medications, supplements, vitamins, supplies and more. All at the lowest prices and delivered to your doorstep.
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