Parasite, Flea & Tick Prevention: Ticks & Fleas

Fleas are one of the most common parasites that your cat or dog can contract. Fleas feed on the blood of their hosts. The blood intake of a female flea can be equivalent to more than 15 times its body weight. Adult fleas can survive on your pet for up to 140 days. Several thousands of eggs are laid by female fleas and dropped wherever the host animal goes. The warm temperature and humidity in homes provide a favorable microclimate for multiple flea life cycles. Because of this, year-round flea prevention should be used.

Ticks are not only a blood-sucking nuisance and irritant for your dog or cat, but they can also carry deadly diseases. Lyme disease, which is prevalent in Minnesota as more cases are diagnosed each year, can be prevented with tick control and the use of a Lyme vaccine. Without tick prevention, your dog or cat could suffer from this deadly disease. Even indoor cats can contract ticks from other animals and be exposed to these deadly diseases. The best prevention is the use of tick preventative products in addition to a vaccine protocol that maximizes your pet's disease protection.