{"id":41,"date":"2023-07-12T14:19:41","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T18:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thegentlevetdvm.com\/blog\/?p=41"},"modified":"2023-07-12T14:19:41","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T18:19:41","slug":"how-to-spot-signs-of-fleas-heartworms-on-your-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegentlevetdvm.com\/blog\/how-to-spot-signs-of-fleas-heartworms-on-your-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spot Signs of Fleas & Heartworms on Your Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"dog<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Parasites cause big problems for our pets, which means they cause big problems for us, too! With our approach to parasite prevention, you can stop fleas and heartworms (among other nasty parasites) from having any impact or influence on your pet\u2019s future<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Best Method Possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fleas can be very hard to spot at first. It seems like soon after spotting one, it\u2019s inevitable to see more. Their life cycle makes it hard to stamp them out completely, which is why prevention far outweighs remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for heartworms, all it takes is for one infected mosquito to bite your pet. Microscopic heartworms are deposited straight into the bloodstream. They travel through the body before landing in the lungs and heart, where they mature into reproducing adults. By the time an owner notices any possible signs of heartworm disease, such as coughing, fatigue, and weight loss, treatment options may range from difficult to impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention medication<\/a> is the best method possible. Without protection, a pet is highly vulnerable to various negative outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond Itchy & Scratchy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fleas are infamous for causing obsessive scratching<\/a> in pets and people alike. While they cannot live on humans, fleas can thrive in environments shared by both people and animals. Up to 40 eggs per day can be deposited on a pet\u2019s fur coat by a single adult flea. The life cycle can accelerate in the right conditions (they like high heat, humidity, and dark places). Before you know it, a massive flea population can take over a home and garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is never fun for anyone, but a pet that\u2019s allergic to flea saliva can develop flea allergy dermatitis. This condition can cause extreme itching, ongoing licking\/scratching, and secondary skin infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartworms in Cats and Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cats are not considered ideal hosts for heartworms, but that doesn\u2019t mean they cannot be infected by them. Treatment is not available to treat heartworms in cats, and cases are often fatal. As a result, it is imperative to protect cats from heartworm disease at all costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are ideal hosts for heartworms, and can support them for an extremely long time without too much interference. Once diagnosed<\/a>, dogs can be successfully treated for heartworm, but it isn\u2019t always easy on them. If the infection has progressed, it can be a complicated and expensive treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amazingly, with our methods for safeguarding your pet\u2019s health, you can prevent all of the problems associated with parasites. Most medications kill fleas, ticks, heartworm-carrying mosquitos, and other internal parasites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We Are Here For Your Pet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions about our approach to year-round parasite prevention, please give our staff<\/a> a call at (330) 665-5915. The Gentle Vet<\/a> is always here to help your pet!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Parasites cause big problems for our pets, which means they cause big problems for us, too! With our approach to parasite prevention, you can stop fleas and heartworms (among other nasty parasites) from having any impact or influence on your pet\u2019s future. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,12,13],"tags":[47,48,50,49,51,52],"class_list":["post-41","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-boarding-grooming-daycare","category-pet-wellness-preventive-care","category-seasonal-pet-care","tag-dog-always-itching","tag-fleas-on-cats","tag-fleas-on-dogs","tag-heartworms-in-cats","tag-heartworms-in-dogs","tag-itchy-pet"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Spot Signs of Fleas & Heartworms on Your Pets | The Gentle Vet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From fleas and heartworms, learn how to spot the early signs, understand prevention methods, and ensure your pets live a happy and healthy 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