LONDON, Ontario, June 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firth Veterinary Hospital seeks to spread the word about the dangers of summertime for pets in London, Ontario, and surrounding areas. As pet owners get outside more to explore and simply enjoy the warmer weather after work is done, pets could bringing unexpected and unwelcomed guests home with them in the form of fleas, ticks and even heartworms. "These parasites have two things in common," says Dr. Peter Firth. "They are harmful to pets and they are highly preventable." This is why Dr. Firth is making it his mission to warn area pet owners about the problem and detail the steps they can take to protect their pets.
It's that time of year when owners and pets are out and about and sometimes playing in the woods. The days are longer. The temperatures are warmer. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are on the rise. Firth Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Dr. Peter Firth warns that this rise in insect activity places pets and their owners at risk.
Ticks, in particular, pose great risks to dogs and, in some cases, to their owners who can also contract Lyme disease. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and in areas where there is tall grass.
Lyme disease is, perhaps, the most widely known risk related to ticks. This condition is carried by deer ticks and can affect humans and dogs alike. Dr. Firth warns that there have been two instances this year of Lyme disease, which is particularly alarming as this is just the beginning of the late spring and summer season when ticks are most active.
"Lyme disease isn't the only disease to worry about, though," warns Dr. Firth. "Ticks carry a wide range of other diseases too, including: Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella, and Babesia."
Pet owners seeking to avoid these illnesses are encouraged to consider preventative treatments against ticks for their pets and to inspect their dogs before coming inside the home after spending time in high grass or wooded areas. Pay attention to the underside of their pups and the area beneath the collar, which is often overlooked. Dr. Firth also recommends annual testing for these tick-related illnesses to be on the safe side.
Dr. Firth believes that getting the word out about preventative action can save animals and their owners a great deal of pain and money. Preventing heartworms, for the most part, involves a once-monthly oral medication. Dogs must be tested for the presence of heartworms, though, before the dose can be administered. Flea and tick prevention is available in the form of oral or topical treatments. Recommendations may vary according to the breed, age and weight of the animal.
About Firth Veterinary Hospital
Located on Wellington Road S in London, Ontario, Firth Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic that offers lab testing, treatment and emergency care for pets. The clinic also offers surgeries, pet grooming and dog training.