The importance of flea prevention

Summer is coming to an end and the cool autumn weather will soon be upon Texas. Many people associate the cooler weather with a decrease in harmful parasites that affect the quality of life for many pets. Hot weather is usually comfortable for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to thrive. It is important to keep prevention on animals throughout the year.

 

Many pet owners stop flea and heartworm prevention in the cooler months to save money and some do not understand the presence of potential harm regardless of the time of year. It is necessary to keep flea prevention on pets in the fall and winter months.  

 

Though fleas are viewed as more of an annoyance than an actual harmful parasite, fleas can be devastating to pet health. Once contracted fleas are very difficult to get rid of and burrow deep in pet hair and are often difficult to remove. As fleas bite into the epidermis blood is left on the surface and accumulates. Many times dried blood makes pets appear unclean. 

 

After the flea initially bites the skin itching can last for a significant amount of time. If a pet consistently scratches the bite a wound can develop. When a wound is present it increases the risk of contracting many types of infections. Staph infections are very common in domestic pets with fleas present on the body. Flea bite dermatitis is a serious inflammation of the skin that occurs after an initial flea bite. It can progress to significant hair loss and red pressure sores.

 

The dangers that fleas pose are much more hazardous to pet health than many pet owners realize. It is important to keep your pet protected from parasites. Many methods are now available to suit most needs. Topical treatments and pills are usually the most advantageous and advanced methods. Many fleas have acquired immunity to a lot of the sprays and collars that have been on the market for many years. Keep your pet safe from pesky parasites as the cool weather appears.