Fleas and ticks can irritate pets, but they can also be a serious health threat. If you suspect that your pet is infested, you should act quickly. Located in Lakewood, CA, Lakewood Pet Vet Animal Hospital can help you deal with pests like fleas and ticks.
Signs Your Pet Has Fleas or Ticks
As parasites, fleas need host animals to survive, which is why they're commonly seen on pets. Many pets react to flea saliva, causing their skin to become irritated. In addition to itching and scratching, pets with fleas may show symptoms such as:
- Skin lesions
- Hair loss
- Unusually dry skin
- Red bumps
Ticks are most likely to bite pets when they're outdoors, but these pests sometimes make their way into homes as well. Since ticks can be carriers for serious diseases, tick removal should be a priority. Symptoms of tick bites include:
- Irritated skin
- Scabbing
- Black spots
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Vomiting
Tick bites can also cause paralysis in pets. If you notice that your pet has wobbly legs or is having difficulty moving, contact our veterinarian immediately.
In addition to these symptoms, you may be able to spot fleas and ticks by checking your pet's fur. Run a comb through your pet's fur and look for dark specks. Keep in mind that ticks usually hide below an animal's fur, making them hard to see.
What to Do If Your Pet Has Ticks or Fleas
Preventative measures like medications and topical products are the most effective way to keep your pet safe from these pests. Flea or tick removal is the priority if your pet has already been infested. Many products can be used for flea removal at home, including flea shampoos, but it's best to consult with a veterinarian vet before using these products on your pet.
If you've spotted a tick on your pet, you should try to remove it as soon as possible. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and use tweezers to pull the tick away from your pet. Move slowly to ensure that the entire tick is removed.
Crushing a tick or tossing it in the trash can put you at risk of infection, so it's best to dispose of it by placing it in rubbing alcohol. After the removal, clean your pet's wound with soap and water. If you're concerned about removing a tick at home, you can bring your pet to the vet instead.
See Our Veterinarian In Lakewood, CA, for Flea and Tick Removal
Call Lakewood Pet Vet today at (562) 925-2300 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.