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It is quickly approaching summer and with the heat comes the pests. Fleas can cause itching, chewing of the skin, and also internal parasitism. Yes, that is correct…fleas can harbor the tapeworm, which is transmittable to pets and people. Gross, right?

Well, worse than a flea is the tick. There are many types of ticks out there and all have the ability to spread infectious diseases to both people and pets. Did you know your pet can have a tick-related disease... and you may not even realize it? So, prevention is key and this starts with a simple physical exam.

It is important to schedule your pet’s annual checkup to be sure your pet is healthy!

Is your dog tired or achy after a walk? Is your cat eating less than usual? These seemingly minor changes may indicate your pet has a tick-related disease. Any pet that has intermittent lameness, loss of appetite, lethargy or any other non-specific sign could have been infected by a tick.

Ticks are tricky. Even when you check your pet for ticks they can be tough to find because they’re small and hide well in dark fur. But it’s crucial to find ticks and remove them quickly. Why? Some ticks carry bacteria that cause disease (such as Lyme disease, but there are many others). And it just takes one undetected tick bite for your pet to become infected. Left untreated, your pet can become very sick and develop kidney damage. At times, these diseases can be fatal.

But there’s good news! When detected and treated early, tick-related diseases can be cured. We’re experts at tick checks and tick prevention. So make an appointment for your pet’s annual checkup today. During every visit Dr. Smith gives them a thorough physical exam from nose to tail, checking for hidden ticks along the way. We’ll also talk about how to keep your pet tick-free and determine if a simple tick-borne disease-screening test is needed.

We want you to be proactive in your pet’s health this spring and summer, so that you and your pet may have a healthy warm weather season. Make an appointment today to ensure you are doing everything possible to protect your pet.