Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets: What You Need to Know This Season

As temperatures rise and pets spend more time outdoors, fleas and ticks become a common concern for pet owners. These parasites are more than just a nuisance. They can carry diseases and cause serious health issues if left untreated.

Understanding how to protect your pet with proper flea and tick prevention can make all the difference in keeping them healthy throughout the season.

Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm weather and can easily latch onto your pet during walks, trips to the park, or even time spent in your own backyard. Once attached, they can multiply quickly and spread throughout your home.

Fleas are known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even tapeworm infections. Ticks, on the other hand, can transmit more serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, consistent parasite prevention is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to protect their pets from preventable diseases.

Signs Your Pet May Have Fleas or Ticks

Even with preventative care, it is important to recognize the early signs of an issue. Catching fleas or ticks early can prevent more serious complications.

Watch for:

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

Prevention Starts with Consistency

The most effective way to protect your pet is through consistent, veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention. There are a variety of options available, including oral medications, topical treatments, and long-lasting collars.

Not all products are created equal, and some over-the-counter treatments may not provide full protection. Working with your veterinarian ensures your pet receives the safest and most effective option based on their age, weight, and lifestyle.

Protecting Your Home and Yard

Flea and tick prevention does not stop with your pet. These parasites can live in your home and yard, making reinfestation a real concern.

Simple steps like regularly washing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and keeping your yard trimmed can help reduce the risk. During peak seasons, staying proactive is key to keeping your environment pest-free.

When to Visit Your Veterinarian

If your pet is showing signs of fleas or ticks, or if you are unsure which preventative option is best, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

At Cimarron Animal Hospital, we can help you choose the right prevention plan and address any concerns before they become more serious. Our goal is to keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and protected year-round.

Schedule Your Pet’s Preventative Care

Spring is one of the most important times to stay ahead of fleas and ticks. A simple visit can help prevent bigger issues down the road and give you peace of mind as you and your pet spend more time outdoors.

Contact Cimarron Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment and make sure your pet is protected this season.

Summer Dangers for Pets

As we get ever closer to the first official day of summer, it's important to know the dangers that this season can bring to your pet so you can prevent illness or injury.

Dangerous Insects 

Some of the biggest dangers for summer for pets are fleas, ticks and mosquitos. These insects can cause serious and even fatal illnesses in your pets. 

Fleas 

Fleas aren't just annoying for your pet, they can cause anemia (in serious cases), Bartonellosis (fever, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, and even altered brain function), tapeworms (fleas can be infected and a pet can ingest the flea when grooming), and of course, allergic dermatitis (itchy skin).

Ticks 

Ticks can cause the same serious illnesses in pets as in humans including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme disease in dogs is diagnosed through blood tests and pets don't develop the same "bulls eye" rash that humans do. Dogs with Lyme disease may experience fever, lameness, joint pain, limping, and lethargy. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and cause death. Rocky Mountain Spotted fever has similar symptoms as Lyme disease. Other tick-borne illnesses for dogs include Canine Ehrlichiosis which can cause bleeding disorders exhibited by bloody noses and easy bruising.

Mosquitos 

Mosquitos can cause a variety of illnesses in dogs including heartworm, West Nile Virus, and Equine Encephalitis Virus. Heartworm is the most commonly known of these illnesses and causes an infestation of worms that block the flow of blood to essential organs. Often by the time the symptoms are showing, the disease is highly progressed. West Nile Virus can affect young, old and immune-compromised dogs and cause neurological problems. Equine Encephalitis Virus is lesser known and is hard to diagnose. Fever, diarrhea, uncontrolled eye movements, seizures and death can come within one to two days.

Dangerous Heat 

The summer heat will continue to rise and with that comes issues such as dehydration, heatstroke, and even burns.

Hydration 

Your pet needs hydration and should always have fresh, clean water they can easily access: especially outdoors. If you take your dog on a walk, bring a bottle of water and portable bowl to make sure they can cool down and stay hydrated. 

Avoid Heatstroke 

Heatstroke can affect any pet but those with short noses (pugs, bulldogs) and overweight pets are at a greater risk. Pets with thick fur are also at a greater risk for heatstroke. Be sure to groom more often in the summer to keep the excess fur off your pet. 

Sunburn 

Pets can get sunburned just like humans. They can also experience burns on their paws from walking on hot surfaces. Don't walk your dog in the heat of the day or when the asphalt is hot. If you can't hold your hand on a surface for a prolonged period of time, then it's too hot for your pet to walk on it. Walk in the shade or on the grass if you can.

Need Help? 

Hopefully your pet will stay safe this summer, with these tips on summer dangers for pets, but if you need help, Cimarron Animal Hospital is here for you. Contact us if your pet is experiencing an issue or if you need to get them on preventative medication for fleas, ticks and heartworm.

Spring Dangers for Pets

Spring is a fun time for pets as the weather warms up and more time is spent outside playing with family and taking walks. However, like every season, there are some dangers for pets. Spring dangers for pets may catch some pet owners off guard. Learn what you need to watch for to keep your pet safe.

Common Spring Dangers for Pets

As Easter approaches, it's important to remember that many of the items placed in Easter baskets can be dangerous to pets. This includes the artificial grass that many people love to use as filler in baskets. This material is especially tempting for cats but can cause intestinal blockages which can lead to vomiting, dehydration, and even death. Another danger during Easter is chocolate which is often included in Easter baskets. Chocolate is toxic for both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting and excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and death. As far as sugar-free treats go, keep them far away from your pets. Even a small amount of sugar-free candy that contains Xylitol can be deadly to dogs and cats.

As pet owners prepare their lawn and landscape beds for spring planting, be sure to keep pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizer out of reach for your pets. Follow directions on these products and be sure not to allow your pets to walk on areas that have been recently treated for weeds or fertilized. The pads on your dog or cat's paws can allow toxins to be absorbed into their systems. Additionally, pets often lick their paws which can also lead to ingestion. Chemicals such as these are common spring dangers for pets.

Spring plants can be beautiful additions to your yard, but there are some you should avoid planting or bringing into your home, including Lillies. Easter is another time in which Lillies are popular, however, they are highly toxic to cats and can be toxic to dogs. Crocus, Azalea, and Butterfly Iris are common spring plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats. Be sure to research plants before investing in them for your yard.

Fleas, ticks, and even mosquitos can start to appear in the spring as well. Make sure your pet has updated flea and tick medications and receives monthly heartworm medication. After your pet spends time outdoors be sure to check their paws and in-between their toes for ticks, in addition to around their ears and neck.

We Can Help

Cimarron Animal Hospital is here for you for all pet care needs. From allergy and preventative medications and annual exams to dentistry, laser therapy, vaccinations, and spay and neutering, our team of caring professional veterinarians and staff will treat your pet like family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What Are Fall Dangers for Pets?

The fall is a beautiful time of year and a favorite for many people. However, just as any season, fall can pose some dangers to your pets. So what are fall dangers for pets? We break down the top five dangers for your pets in the autumn.

Recognizing Fall Dangers for Pets

Allergies are as much an issue for pets as their humans. In the fall ragweed, pollen and mold start to become more prevalent and can lead to an increase in itching, watery eyes, and even ear infections for your beloved pet. If you notice your pet showing these signs of discomfort, contact Cimarron Animal Hospital for a visit. There are allergy medications your pet can take to relieve their allergy symptoms.

The fall is a peak time for fleas to begin to hatch and latch on to your pet. Flea bites cause sores and itchiness. Winter coats that pets develop create an ideal home for fleas which can breed quickly and produce up to 50 eggs per day. Watch for signs of fleas including itching and hair loss on your pet. Unfortunately, fleas also can affect humans so if you experience ankle bites or see fleas you may need to treat your home. To prevent fleas, be sure your pet is on a regularly scheduled flea and tick prevention medication.

Fall leaves and cooler temperatures create ideal environments for wild mushrooms, some of which can be deadly for your pet. Watch your yard regularly for pop-up mushrooms and remove them before your pet has the opportunity to get too close and curious.

Autumn ushers in the holiday season and as we begin to enjoy some of our favorite holiday dishes, keep pet food safety in mind. High-fat foods like turkey skin, dark meat, gravy, and ham can cause pancreatitis. It's best to avoid feeding human food to your pets. Instead, make or purchase pet-safe treats.

Antifreeze is necessary for our vehicles to run properly in the winter, but it's absolutely deadly to animals. Because antifreeze has a sweet taste and is tempting for pets, avoid areas where there is antifreeze runoff and be sure to properly clean up any antifreeze spills before your pet is exposed. It doesn't take much of this poison to be deadly to dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze take them immediately to an emergency vet.

Keeping Pets Safe

Pets can find danger anywhere, at any time of the year. Start each autumn by recognizing the fall dangers for pets, and taking the preventative steps necessary to keep your furry friends safe for the season. If you need to schedule regular checkups for your pet for flea and tick prevention, allergies, or just annual exams, contact the veterinary staff at Cimarron Animal Hospital. We'd love to help keep your pet healthy and happy!