Flea and Tick Prevention in Lakewood Ranch, Florida | University Animal Clinic

Jack Russell

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Having a cat or dog in your home is good for companionship. However, having these lovely animals as pets comes with great responsibility.

If your pet spends a lot of time in the yard, then you should be prepared to deal with flea and tick attacks. These pests can cause your pets all sorts of problems ranging from itchiness to utter discomfort. Additionally, fleas and ticks can be a nuisance to you and your family as well. For this reason, it’s important that you know how to remove fleas and ticks from your home.

When Do Fleas And Ticks Come Out?

Contrary to popular belief, fleas and ticks are not seasonal pests. Most people believe they often come out during warm weather, but nothing can be further from the truth. Fleas and ticks can cause problems at any time, even during winter. You should, therefore, be on the lookout for signs of infestation.

Dog Scratching Itself

Cat Scratching Itself Outside

How To Tell If My Pet Has Fleas Or Ticks

The signs of a flea or tick infestation aren’t obvious. The fact that pets love scratching themselves makes it even harder to know if the reason for scratching is due to fleas or ticks. Nevertheless, if the scratching becomes excessive, then your pet could be infested. Here are some common signs of an infestation:

Persistent itchiness
Abnormal scratching
Consistent hair loss
Pale gums
Visible flea eggs or flea dirt
Red spots

Inspect your pet by turning them on their back or side and checking the armpits, ears and groin area. The presence of red spots around the groin or armpits is a clear sign that your pet has been bitten by a tick or flea. Be sure to check your pet thoroughly as ticks, as well as fleas, can be tough to spot in your pet’s hair.

Schedule A Flea Treatment For Your Pet

Treating Fleas For Cats And Dogs

Treating fleas for cats and dogs are best left to the professionals. Your vet will prescribe various treatment options for your cat or dog depending on the severity of the infestation.

Common treatment options include:

Flea and tick sprays
Oral pest medications
Topical treatments such as Advantage II, Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix
Flea and tick collars for cats and dogs
Flea pills for dogs

Dogs Playing Outside

Cat Scratching

Flea And Tick Prevention

Flea and tick prevention techniques include:

Mowing and pruning your yard regularly
Using foggers to clean your carpet
Always shampooing your pets when grooming
Inspecting your pet regularly
Vacuuming your house on a regular basis

Call A Vet Now

We at University Animal Clinic in Bradenton have a passion for preventive care. We believe that early testing is the best way to prevent the spread of heartworm disease. Don’t let your cat or dog suffer in silence. Bring them along for a heartworm test in our accredited AAHA hospital in Bradenton, Florida. Take the next step and call (941) 253-5218 or contact us online today.

What Our Clients Have To Say

I wasn’t holding my breath that a vet would work hard to help diagnose my leopard gecko. I was wrong. The doctor worked hard to diagnose why our pet lizard stopped eating & ran a battery of tests.
Paulina Testerman

Vets and staff are knowledgeable and efficient. Clean and friendly Vet office. My dog now goes in to see her Vet with out balking.

Sara Little

Dr. Fink was just super with the Bruiser on his last visit. The entire staff was attentive, caring and professional. We would highly recommend University Animal Clinic to all who love their pets and want the best care for them.

ARF

All employees are amazing with animals. I am glad I found a Vet’s office that makes me feel that my 5 months old puppy is in the best hands

Heide Myrick

Even with full covid-19 protection our Basset was well cared for by the staff, I received detailed home care instructions and got a ‘checking on you’ call the next day. Our basset is on the way to revovery. Perfect outcome. Great caring friendly staff.

Stan Yonkauski

Met Dr. Sam and Dr. Fink today and was very impressed. We have been a client of University Animal Clinic since it opened with Dr. Rill. My wife and I feel very comfortable with these ladies and plan to keep our relationship with them. The staff and Dr’s are very helpful and friendly.
Pet Parent

The very best of care, the entire staff always gives their all and truly cares about both patient and parents! You won’t find a better clinic in Sarasota.

Ron Marano

My dogs, Max and Leo, always have a very positive experience at UAC. The staff is friendly and professional. The office is efficient and clean. I appreciate the ability to check on the dogs’ vaccinations, etc., on the pet portal. Great vet practice.

Ronni Silverman

The entire staff was friendly and professional. Dr. Sam was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and eased my anxiety. Even though I was worried they comforted me, answered all of my questions, and took great care of my fur baby.

Zach Gennette

It is very difficult to find an avian vet who is kind while not sugar coating what can be bad news. I had no idea conures get cataracts as they get older, helped me understand my bird’s actions. The Dr. is wonderful!

Jessica Sakas

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