Pests like fleas and ticks are common in dogs and cats, but most people don’t know much about them. Keep reading to check out some myths and truths about the most common pet pests!
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“Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes don’t care if you walk on two or four legs, they happily bite anyone in the house,” explained Dr. Kelly Cairns, Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, to the PR Newswire website.
“These pests can easily hitch a ride on people, other pets, or even come in through open doors and windows, putting your family at risk of bites and potentially serious diseases,” she added.
Cairns further explained that many diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks affecting dogs and cats can also affect humans. Tick bites infected with Lyme disease can cause serious health problems for humans.
“If you have a dog or cat, chances are higher to encounter fleas and ticks than in pet-free households, making it extremely important that your pet receives flea and tick treatment all year round,” Cairns said.
Mosquitoes can be alarming, as they can transmit heartworm, a potentially deadly disease. Heartworm is transmitted through mosquito bites and can grow up to thirty centimeters long, residing in the heart and lungs of the pet.
“Just one bite from an infected mosquito is enough for your dog or cat to contract heartworm disease. Once infected, treatment can be expensive, with possible side effects and no guarantee of success. Ultimately, the risk of infection and the high cost of treatment outweigh the cost of prevention.”
Debunking myths about external parasites
1. Indoor pets are not at risk
According to Cairns, this is nothing more than a myth. Many parasites are mobile and can easily enter homes through doors, windows, or be brought inside by people or other pets.
2. Parasites are not a problem for pets during winter
This is also untrue. The unpredictability of the weather and high indoor temperatures create breeding grounds for parasites. Additionally, pet owners who travel with their pets may expose them to parasites.
3. Ticks die in winter
According to Cairns, this is a myth. Depending on the species and life cycle stage, ticks survive the winter by hiding in wooded areas or clinging to hosts.
Ultimately, Cairns emphasized the importance of preventive treatment. Regular veterinary care is an investment in your pet’s well-being, saving money in the long run by avoiding expensive interventions to treat diseases in advanced stages.
“Veterinarian-prescribed preventives are the best way to reduce the likelihood of your pet bringing fleas and ticks home and to protect pets from harmful diseases related to parasites,” she concluded.
