November is the end of flea and heartworm prevention treatment in Ontario.  That may not be the case for other areas due to longer seasons and warmer climates.  Pet owners should seek the advice of their veterinarian to determine an effective treatment schedule and know if there is a ‘safe’ period.

When fleas feed, they inject saliva into the skin. Often, these salivary proteins cause animals to end up with an allergic reaction. The most common skin disease is ‘flea allergy dermatitis’: cats and dogs bite and scratch and lose their hair. It can take only a few fleas for this allergy to become a problem.

Fleas are blood-sucking insects.  Pets, especially puppies, can become anemic and possibly die if heavily infested. Fleas also commonly transmit tapeworms to our pets, at least one species.

Ticks transmit a dozen or more diseases than ticks: Lyme disease (humans are also susceptible, and it is not pleasant. I have seen what this disease is capable of), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and more.

My husband and I applied to adopt a dog that was undergoing treatment for heartworm.  The dog went to another family. In doing my research, however, I learned about dogs that have heartworm.  If diagnosed in time, heartworm may be treated successfully. This disease is not something you would want your companion to endure.

Many of these diseases can kill pets. They are entirely preventable with proper treatment which is easy to administer.

Please contact your veterinarian to schedule treatment.