Flea and Tick Prevention


Flea and Tick Prevention for Your Pet

Fleas and ticks can cause tremendous discomfort and even sickness for your pet. At Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic in Yorktown, we believe prevention is the best policy and can help you keep pests away from your pet as much as possible. Flea and tick prevention will keep your pet comfortable and healthy.

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How Do Pets Get Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas and ticks are parasites that can cause a lot of serious diseases and issues in your pet. Fleas and ticks breed in warm environments and usually make their habitat in tall grass, under bushes, or in other garden or yard areas. When your pet is outdoors, he or she may bring these pests back home without realizing it. Your pet may also get fleas or ticks from other canine or feline friends when visiting parks or getting together for playdates.

Treatment

There are flea and tick prevention medications you can give your pet. A monthly pill is the most common and effective means of controlling pests. We offer topical treatments you can use on your pet. Flea and tick collars are also helpful in some situations.

Flea and Tick Treatment Inside Your Home

Because ticks are larger than fleas and tend to stay in one spot, they can often be found with your hands. Just run your hands all over your pet's body to feel for anything that isn't smooth. A lump that is right up against the skin and non-moving is often a tick. Remove any ticks and use a tick prevention shampoo to get rid of any that went unnoticed.

It is essential to check a pet for fleas if your pet isn't already taking a flea and tick prevention method. To check for fleas, go to the area that doesn't have much fur. This would be the underside of the belly and other possible spots like the elbows for most pets. Use a flea comb to comb through this hair. If your pet already has fleas, give him or her a bath with flea prevention shampoo and take him to the vet as soon as possible to get onto preventative medicine.

Wash your pet's bedding regularly, and inspect it for signs of fleas or ticks. There are many sprays on the market you can use at home to kill fleas and ticks. Keep windows and doors closed during flea and tick season.

Signs of Fleas and Ticks

The most basic symptom of fleas or ticks is your cat or dog scratching themselves excessively. Your pet might also bite at their skin, attempting to remove the tiny parasite.  Fleas mostly cause discomfort. Ticks are more dangerous and can cause Lyme disease. Some scratching is normal, but if you see an excessive amount, give your pet a close examination to see if you can find any fleas or ticks.  

Come See Us in Yorktown

Even if your pet does not have fleas or ticks now, he or she still has the chance of getting them at some point. Don't let fleas and ticks bother your pet. Find out how our team at Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic can protect your pet in and around the Yorktown area from fleas and ticks. Contact us today for the quality veterinary care your pet needs.

Location

Hours of Operation

Monday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed