Pet Parasite Prevention

Pet Health Hazards Of Fleas And Ticks

Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.

Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Zoonosis is known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, runny noses and watering eyes.

For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation. This is why timely parasite prevention is critical to your pet’s overall well being. Effective flea and tick control not only reduces discomfort but also helps protect your pet from these potentially life threatening conditions.

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(951) 600-0830

Types Of Flea Prevention Medication Available

When it comes to parasite prevention, there are several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Hot Springs Animal Hospital can help you decide which parasite prevention method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.

Flea Collars

Worn around your pet’s neck to help prevent flea infestations. Kills on contact.

Oral Tablets

Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies.

Spot-On Treatments

Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact.

Sprays

Sprayed onto your pet’s fur to control in-progress flea and tick infestations. Can last as long as 30 days.
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(951) 600-0830

Pet Parasite Prevention FAQs

Yes, pets need parasite prevention 365 days a year. Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms and internal worms don’t strictly follow seasons and may thrive indoors or in mild weather. A consistent monthly preventive ensures your dog or cat stays safe from hidden risks. Skipping months may leave gaps that allow infestations or infections that are harder (and more expensive) to treat later.

Dogs and cats in Murrieta can face both external and internal parasites. Common threats include fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm (in dogs and sometimes cats), and intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and Giardia. These parasites may cause itching, weight loss, diarrhea, or worse, so prevention is key for pets living in Southern California climates.

Absolutely — even indoor-only pets can easily be affected by parasites. Fleas or ticks may hitch a ride on you, your clothes, or on other animals and find their way indoors. Also, some intestinal parasites can be carried into the home environment and infect pets that never roam outdoors. For full protection, indoor dogs and cats also benefit from year-round preventive care.

Yes — parasites in pets can pose health risks to people in the household, especially children, older adults or those with weakened immune systems. For example, fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, ticks can transmit vector-borne diseases, and some worms may infect humans as well. Keeping your pets on a reliable parasite prevention plan protects not only their health but the health of your entire family.

Flea and Tick Prevention Help With Hot Springs Animal Hospital

When it comes to controlling fleas and ticks, you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your pet and advice on how to rid your home of flea infestations. As part of our customised parasite prevention plans, we’ll help you to choose effective solutions based on your pet’s needs and your environment. 

If you are looking for a medication where the parasite does not need to bite your pet in order to be killed, we may recommend flea collars and spot-on treatments. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your dog or cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. If you have a current flea infestation, you may want to use a spray treatment that kills fleas and ticks on contact.

For more information on our flea and tick prevention services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (951) 600-0830  today.