How Can I Prevent Fleas and Ticks?

July 27, 2021

There is nothing worse than seeing your pet scratching more than usual – that pang of fear you feel as you wonder, “Oh no...is it fleas?” This blog is to answer the most common questions (and clear up some misconceptions) about fleas and ticks.

What are fleas and ticks?

Flea is a common term for over 2000 different species of small flightless insects that survive as an external parasite of mammals and birds. They live by consuming blood and can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Ticks are arachnids, which means they are related to spiders.

Fleas and ticks are something that can and should be prevented. Prevention allows you to confidently keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Do you let your pet sleep in your bed? Or on the couch? If so, prevention is even more critical because those parasites can quickly spread to your bed, furniture, and carpet. Fleas and ticks do bite humans and can cause very itchy bumps--and they are much harder to get rid of than they are to prevent.

What are signs that my pet has fleas?

Some of the warning signs are:

scabs
hot spots on the skin
excessive licking
scratching
hair loss

Is it really that big of a deal?

Fleas can take up to 15 times their weight in blood. This means the more fleas your loved one has, the bigger risk of developing anemia. Anemia is when there is a dangerous drop of red blood cells. Puppies and kittens are at the most risk because they are so little.

Signs of anemia caused by fleas are pale gums and a lack of energy.

Fleas are also a common cause of skin disease in dogs and cats. The saliva from the flea gets injected into your pet’s skin when they bite, which can also cause an allergic reaction.

What are signs of ticks?

Ticks tend to be bigger than fleas, so they are easier to spot on you or your pet. Ticks typically have multiple hosts throughout their lifetime.

Do not scratch or rip off ticks. Please call us right away if your pets are infected.

Ticks can cause:

anemia
skin irritation
infection
tick paralysis
weak muscles
lyme disease
other diseases

Flea and tick prevention is so important because the potential health problems are life threatening, and your pet deserves to live an active, healthy life.

How can I prevent this?

Does all this sound like something you would do anything in your power to avoid? Do you still want to be able to enjoy time outdoors (for you and your pet)? Do you not want to worry about monthly, or even daily prevention? One comprehensive visit with our trained staff will ease your fears of fleas and ticks for a full year. If your pet has already had their Annual Wellness Exam, they might have already had their preventatives. Not sure? Contact us to check.

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Veterinary Clinic: The Importance of Preventive Care for Lifelong Pet Health

June 6, 2025

Compassionate veterinary clinic offering expert pet care, wellness exams, vaccinations, and emergency services to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

Animal Hospital Services: Preventing and Detecting Pet Health Problems Early

By Michael Rayburn • May 7, 2025

Pets are family, and their health often depends on our ability to spot subtle changes before they become serious. Animal hospitals like Pet Medical Center play a critical role in safeguarding your pet’s well-being through advanced diagnostics, routine care, and preventive strategies. Whether it’s catching early signs of illness or providing specialized treatments, these facilities act as a frontline defense against preventable health issues. Here’s how proactive care at an animal hospital can make all the difference. Why Early Detection Matters Pets instinctively hide pain and discomfort, making it harder to recognize problems until they’ve progressed. Regular check-ups at an animal hospital help bridge this gap. For example, bloodwork or urinalysis during a wellness exam can reveal early indicators of diabetes, kidney disease, or infections-conditions that might not show visible symptoms for months. At Pet Medical Center, veterinarians use tools like diagnostic ultrasounds and X-rays to identify internal issues, such as tumors or organ abnormalities, before they escalate. Early intervention often translates to simpler treatments, lower costs, and better outcomes for your pet. Core Services at an Animal Hospital 1. Wellness Exams and Preventive Care Routine visits to an animal hospital are like annual physicals for humans. These exams include weight monitoring, dental checks, and parasite screenings to catch issues like heartworm or tick-borne diseases. Pet Medical Center emphasizes vaccinations tailored to your pet’s lifestyle, ensuring protection against rabies, distemper, and other preventable illnesses. 2. Advanced Diagnostics Modern animal hospitals rely on technology to go beyond surface-level observations. For instance, EKGs can detect irregular heart rhythms, while allergy testing identifies triggers behind chronic itching or ear infections. Pet Medical Center’s in-house lab services deliver rapid results, allowing vets to start treatments immediately rather than waiting days for external reports. 3. Surgical and Dental Care From spaying/neutering to soft-tissue surgeries, animal hospitals handle procedures that require precision and sterile environments. Dental cleanings are equally critical, as periodontal disease can lead to heart or kidney complications if untreated. Pet Medical Center offers anesthesia-free scaling for pets with mild tartar buildup and full dental surgeries for advanced cases. Recognizing Early Warning Signs at Home While animal hospitals provide professional care, pet owners should watch for subtle changes: Appetite shifts: Sudden disinterest in food or excessive hunger could signal metabolic disorders. Lethargy: If your playful pup now naps all day, it might indicate pain or illness. Unusual bathroom habits: Straining to urinate or frequent diarrhea warrants a vet visit. Pet Medical Center encourages clients to keep a health journal tracking these behaviors. Sharing this with your vet during appointments helps pinpoint patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle Preventive care isn’t just about vet visits-it’s also about daily habits. Animal hospitals often collaborate with pet owners to design nutrition plans that address weight management or allergies. For example, Pet Medical Center might recommend high-fiber diets for pets prone to digestive issues or joint supplements for aging dogs. Exercise routines tailored to your pet’s breed and age can also prevent obesity-related conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Emergency Care and Chronic Condition Management When accidents happen, animal hospital near me provides stabilization and surgery for fractures, poisoning, or trauma. For pets with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, facilities like Pet Medical Center offer long-term management plans, including medication adjustments and regular monitoring. Hospice care ensures comfort for terminally ill pets, prioritizing quality of life through pain management and emotional support for families.