With the warmer weather comes fleas, ticks, snails and slugs.
Fleas and ticks cause your pet discomfort and irritation. Additionally, they cause your dog or cat to itch and scratch resulting in skin rashes, infected skin, hot spots and open sores.
Fleas and ticks can also transmit parasites and diseases. Tapeworms are transmitted to your pet by ingesting fleas carrying the tapeworm egg. In rare incidences, fleas can transmit the bacteria which causes plague to humans.
Ticks are known for transmitting Lyme’s disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma to dogs. In Fresno County, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says 1.3% of the dogs screened for Anaplasma tested positive. Dogs tested for Ehrlichia resulted in 2% of the dogs testing positive, while 1 in 415 dogs tested were positive for Lyme’s disease.
Flea and tick prevention starts with monthly oral or topical medication. Apply topical medications at the base of the skull for cats or between the shoulder blades in dogs. Alternatively there are collars that last 8 months. There are times when more extensive measures may need to be taken to keep your dog or cat free of fleas or ticks. Give Bullard-Marks Veterinary Hospital a call at (559) 432-0887 to see what you can do to keep your pet tick and flea free.
Snails and slugs love all the blooming flowers and the new plants in your yard. Your pets can be poisoned by snail and slug baits used to protect landscaping. Most snail bait contains Metaldehyde. Bait eaten by your dog may result in seizures and elevated body temperatures. Signs of snail bait poisoning can start as soon as 30 minutes after eating a small amount of snail bait. Immediately take your pet to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for treatment. Consider the brand name Slug O or a shallow pie pan filled with beer as an alternative means of getting ride of the snails or slugs in your yard.