Conquering Flea & Tick Infestations

Hilltop Animal Hospital, located in Fuquay Varina, NC, is a multidisciplinary veterinarian. We value your pet's health and want him/her to live a long, healthy life. That is why we specialize in making certain that our furry friends are on flea and tick preventatives from the beginning of our care. There are many complications from flea & tick infestations and it’s best to halt these complications early on. 

Why Fleas Are a Concern

Many pet owners think the reason for treating fleas is only because the bites annoy the animal. While this is true, more serious complications of fleas are:

• Scratching and biting can create sores, hot spots, and hair loss that may not heal easily. 
• Your pet can get tape worms from eating fleas. While tapeworms do not normally do damage to full grown pets, puppies, and kittens can become anemic, have stunted growth, and blocked intestines if infected with these parasites.
• Fleas will multiply and hide in carpet and furniture. Once they do this, they are very hard to get rid of. They also bite people, which causes small, red bites that itch.

Tick Complications

Ticks will attach themselves to the skin and suck blood from the host's skin. They can be carried into the house by one animal and transferred to another. These small pests can cause a plethora of problems including:

• Skin infections
• Anemia
• Paralysis
• Lyme Disease - This is a bacterial infection. Symptoms are loss of appetite, depression, fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful joints, and kidney failure. If caught and treated early, pets will recover within about 48 hours. If you suspect your pet has Lyme Disease, contact a veterinarian immediately.
• Cytauxzoonosis - This lethal infection brought on by a tick bite, is carried by the bobcat. A tick who lives on a bobcat can transmit the illness to a dog or cat. With no known cure, the disease progresses quickly. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, jaundice, breathing difficulties, coma, and death. 

As you can see, fleas and ticks are dangerous pests. Preventative is the best course of action to protect your beloved family member from babyhood to seniors. Hilltop Animal Hospital wants to be your veterinarian of choice.

Hilltop Animal Hospital team is dedicated to making sure your pet is protected from flea & tick invasion and illnesses. Our veterinarian, Dr. Scotty Gibbs, will advise you on the top products for your baby. Call us today: (919) 567-9700.