FERNDALE, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Animal Hospital of Sullivan County has released information on the importance of flea and tick elimination and prevention in dogs, cats, and other pets. Fleas spread disease to both humans and pets, and they cause direct damage with their itchy, allergy-inducing bites. Therefore, they should not be thought of as an acceptable parasite. Ticks, if not eliminated in 24 hours or less, can spread lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Many pet owners think it is normal for dogs and cats to have some fleas. However, flea infestation is not something that should be accepted. The tiny parasites can infect their hosts with other parasites, such as tapeworm. This happens when the host animal bites at itself and ingests the fleas as it tries to get rid of them. Fleas also bite humans and spread diseases like cat scratch fever. Ticks carry lyme and anaplasmosis, which are transmitted by tick bites to pets and people.
For most pets, the problem of fleas is more basic, but it can be just as devastating to the infested animal. Flea bites are very itchy, and this causes the animal to madly scratch and bite itself until its skin is severely damaged after having ripped out its fur in attempts to relieve itself of the itching. Damaged areas get scabbed over and may become infected. Your pet may contract lyme or anaplasmosis and you may not even know it until they are tested or become sick.
"Because of the torturous itching of flea bites and the resulting damage to the body, the only humane thing to do is make sure that pets are free of fleas. To help motivate owners to treat this problem, we're offering savings on our prescription flea control treatments. For the Vectra Topical treatment for dogs, we have a sale where when someone buys three treatments, another dose will be mailed to the customer for free. If six Vectra Topical orders are made, then the purchaser will receive three for free. With our oral medication Simparica Chewable Flea and Tick Prevention, also for dogs, there is a $15 rebate for buying six doses and a $35 rebate off of 12 doses. Cats aren't left out: Those who buy six doses of Revolution for cats get two free," said Dr. Barbara J. Bodolosky, DVM, veterinarian and owner of Animal Hospital of Sullivan County.
Getting prescription flea and tick preventives, which are more effective and safer than pet store versions, requires a simple appointment with a veterinarian.
About Animal Hospital of Sullivan County
This animal hospital provides routine veterinary care as well as preventive care, boarding, and other services. It covers the area of Ferndale, NY and the surrounding regions. Appointments can be made on Monday-Saturday during convenient hours. Visit http://ahofsc.com/ for more additional information.