SOLOMONS, Md., Aug. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Solomons veterinarian is advising area pet owners to consider a popular flea and tick treatment for their pets. Dr. Nancy E. Ball, owner of Solomons Veterinary Medical Center, recommends flea and tick protection in general, and NexGard products in particular, as an essential step in guarding against a variety of common pet health issues.
A Maryland veterinarian is warning pet owners about the dangers posed by summertime pests. "Fleas and ticks carry many potentially deadly diseases. We want all of our patients to receive the preventative wellness care necessary to stay free of these dangerous pests year after year," said Dr. Nancy E. Ball of Solomons Veterinary Medical Center.
Dr. Ball cites many health risks associated with fleas and ticks, not least of which is the skin irritation caused by their bites. Reactions to these bites can cause painful or itchy skin rashes that prompt animals to lick, chew, or scratch incessantly at the irritated area. "This behavior can create an open wound in the skin which serves as a gateway to bacteria, resulting in serious secondary infections," she added.
The veterinarian notes, however, that the greatest dangers may occur from the viruses, bacteria and parasites transmitted from the pests to the host animal's bloodstream. "Fleas, for instance, may transmit tapeworms, typhus, Bartonellosis, and even bubonic plague, while ticks are known carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and erchiliosis," she said.
For this reason, according to Dr. Ball, flea and tick prevention has become a standard part of veterinary wellness programs. By placing a pet on regular medications designed to kill fleas and ticks at specific points in the pests' life cycles, ongoing protection against flea-borne and tick-borne diseases can be maintained throughout the animal's life.
Dr. Ball's primary recommendation for flea and tick prevention in dogs is a relatively new, FDA-approved product from NexGard called NexGard Chewables. She explains that the product comes in a beef-flavored chew that has proven highly popular with canine patients -- an important consideration in light of the need to maintain consistent protection. Once administered, she adds, the product continues to provide protection for 30 days, at which point the next dosage must be given. "Another important feature is the fact that unlike some pest preventatives, NexGard manages to kill both fleas and ticks," said Dr. Ball. The veterinarian prescribes NexGard Chewables for dogs 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 4 pounds.
In addition to the regular use of preventative medications such as NexGard's products, Dr. Ball encourages pet owners to take additional steps around the home to reduce the flea and tick population, such as vacuuming pet bedding regularly and keeping lawns trimmed short.
Solomons Veterinary Medical Center provides wellness care, emergency care, pet surgery, dietary guidance and other services.