Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets did not previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. Lyme disease, in particular, is extremely common in Connecticut – the disease was discovered right here in Old Lyme!
The best method for keeping ticks off your pet is by keeping your dog or cat on a monthly tick preventive year round. Because our state is so saturated with ticks and Lyme, and Lyme disease can be potentially fatal, we cannot emphasize this enough. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and highly effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Call Advanced Veterinary Care to discuss the best flea and tick product for you and to get your pet protected today!
And, don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventatives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet before they can transmit disease. Ticks can hide easily under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. There is also a Lyme vaccine that along with your flea and tick preventative can give your pet the best chance of being Lyme-free. Please don’t hesitate to call us about the vaccine available for lyme, flea and tick preventatives, or to ask us any questions you might have.