At San Marco Animal Hospital, our veterinarians provided trusted guidance on relieving the itch associated with parasites. We also take a proactive approach to preventing fleas and other parasitic threats to the health and well-being of pets who live in and around our corner of Jacksonville, Florida.
Ideally, your pet will be on a schedule of flea preventives. During regular wellness visits, we can discuss options and get your pet on the appropriate, healthy track. Since even dogs and cats with the best care can still “catch” fleas, staying on top of any anomalies within your household is important. Regularly check for flea “dirt” or droppings that can appear as small dark specks on the skin and fur. Also, take notice of any new or distressing scratching, chewing, and licking behaviors. It is essential to promptly treat infestations to prevent their spread and health complications for your pet.
Fleas are more than annoying; aggressive scratching of intensely itchy skin increases the risk of serious secondary skin infections. Pets may become infected with tapeworms, too, if they swallow fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. Internal parasites like tapeworms feed off your pet’s digestive contents, which may result in nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and intestinal blockages. Additionally, fleas are associated with other infectious diseases and can present a public health concern.
Our veterinarians also check for potential infestations during your pet’s regular exams. We have a wide range of accurate testing capabilities to check for fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites. Blood and fecal tests also allow us to make an accurate diagnosis of the presence of certain parasites. These diagnostic capabilities allow us to develop treatment recommendations that really work.
We can also advise on medications, topicals, and other steps to get your pet comfortable and ease the itch in the near term. Over the longer term, our goal is effective flea control. Here again, we can recommend the best preventives and control products. Lifestyle recommendations may also involve thoroughly cleaning carpets, rugs, bedding, and fabrics that might harbor fleas.
Protect and sustain your pet’s good health. Call San Marco Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, today at 904-399-5557. Be sure to ask us about affordable wellness plans for puppies, kittens, adult dogs, and cats. These in-house plans cover preventative services, such as parasite screening and deworming.
Phone Number: (904) 399-5557
