Ticks
Ticks have become increasingly common even in Oakville in recent years. Some ticks have the ability to carry and transmit infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease, to dogs and to humans.
Ticks are most numerous in the spring and fall but can be acquired anytime from March to December. There are some very effective products available to help protect your pet against infestation with ticks.
Nexgard
Nexgard is a prescription medication formulated into a flavoured tablet that will kill fleas and ticks for one month following administration. It can be used in combination and given simultaneously with any heartworm preventive medication. NexgardForDogs.com
K9 Advantix
K9 Advantix is a topically applied medication that will kill fleas and ticks for one month following application. It can be used in combination with any heartworm preventive medication. When used along with Advantage Multi, they are applied alternately once every 2 weeks. K9 Advantix (AnimalHealth.Bayer.ca)
Regardless of which tick and flea medication is used, because ticks become active at temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius and higher, in some cases it is wise to initiate preventive medication starting in March.
If you would like more information about Lyme disease, please see:
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Fleas
Fleas continue to be an extremely common warm weather skin parasite of dogs and cats. In an allergic pet, even one flea can cause severe dermatitis, itch and discomfort.
Fleas become active outdoors when the temperature rises above freezing in the spring, with the peak in flea numbers occurring in August and September. Winter weather provides some relief by reducing the outdoor flea population but fleas will thrive indoors over the winter months if allowed.
Fortunately, there are several flea control products available for dogs and cats that are very effective, very safe, and very simple to administer. Some of these products also provide protection against other parasites, such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, mites and ticks. Please ask us which flea control product best suits your pets needs.
Products Recommended for Dogs:
K9 Advantix: animalhealth.bayer.ca
Nexgard: nexgardfordogs.com
Advantage Multi: animalhealth.bayer.ca
Revolution: revolution4dogs.com
Sentinel: elanco.ca
Products Recommended for Cats:
Bravecto: bravecto.ca
Advantage Multi: animalhealth.bayer.ca
Rabies
If you would like some answers to commonly asked questions about rabies, please see:
Rabies Q&A