TAMPA, Fla., June 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While it's true that fleas and ticks can be a problem for Tampa pet owners year-round, flea and tick prevention needs to be a priority in the minds of pet owners at this time of year every year according to Dr. Timothy D. Hodge of Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in Tampa who says, "Preventative treatments are the best course of action as infestations are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, pet owners today have a wide range of options when it comes to preventative treatments."
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that feed of pets, and sometimes people in the home. They are not only uncomfortable, but can also carry diseases that put the entire household at risk. Dr. Hodge points out that fleas are believed to be the culprits behind bubonic plague and ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can be fatal if left untreated.
This doesn't even take into consideration the endless hours of biting, scratching, and discomfort of household pets and people fleas are known to cause. Pets infested with fleas can suffer from a variety of health conditions including anemia, blood loss, and other medical disorders. Severe flea infestations can result in the death of family pets.
Dr. Hodge points out, "The good news is that aggressive preventative measures can help homeowners stamp out flea infestations before they get a foothold. The bad news is the homeowners must be vigilant as fleas and ticks come into the home on shoes, pants legs, dog's ears, and countless other ways."
One way pet owners can reduce the number of fleas coming into the home is by spraying the area around the doors and entrances of the home with flea sprays periodically throughout the year. Then follow up with more routine flea treatments during late spring and summer months when activity really ramps up.
"Don't forget the importance of preventative flea treatments for cats and dogs as well," offers Dr. Hodge. "These treatments can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the specific treatment, and make the pet an unattractive host for fleas and ticks."
Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre recommends that dog owners consider Nexgard, Frontline Tritak, or Trifexis and that cat owners consider Revolution as the preventative flea treatment of choice. All of these treatments are available at the clinic.
About Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre
In addition to flea prevention and treatment programs, Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre offers a wide range of veterinary services to Tampa area pets and their owners including behavioral counseling, vaccinations, physical exams, and emergency treatment. Dr. Hodge has been practicing in the Tampa area since 1995 when he graduated Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on the treatment of small animals, avian, and exotics.