Flea, Tick, & Heartworm Prevention in Phillipsburg, NJ

Phillipsburg Parasite Prevention for Your Pet

Part of our preventative practice at Warren Animal Hospital entails parasite control and prevention to best optimize your pet’s health and quality of life. Our flea, tick, and heartworm prevention services are designed to keep your pet as well as your entire household safe. We understand and appreciate the special bond between you and your beloved companions, and our staff is dedicated to doing everything in our ability to keep your pet healthy and happy!

For help controlling or preventing any parasitic problems with your pet, call our office at (908) 258-6339 to schedule your vet appointment today!

Flea Control & Prevention

Blood-sucking fleas are a year-round issue in New Jersey, yet they thrive during the late spring to early fall seasons when the temperatures and humidity levels are optimal for them. In addition to skin irritations, allergic reactions, inflamed skin, and hair loss, fleas can potentially transmit tapeworms, among other life-threatening diseases.

Signs and symptoms that your pet might be carrying fleas include:

• Scratching
• Excessive biting/chewing
• Excessive licking
• Head shaking

Our treatments vary from topical ointments to oral medications, plus more, depending on the circumstances and severity of the parasite issue at hand. You can rest assured that our treatments cover the entire life cycle of the flea to ensure that no eggs, larvae, or pupae can resist the medication and develop any further.

Tick Prevention Protocol

Ticks are arachnid parasites that live off the blood of their unsuspecting host. Ticks are also known to transmit serious, and at times fatal, diseases to both pets and their owners alike.

Here are some of the possible infectious diseases that ticks can spread:

• Lyme Disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Tick paralysis
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Bartonella (cat scratch fever)
• Cytauxzoonosis (in cats)
• Ehrlichiosis

Additionally, signs and symptoms that your pet has contracted a tick-borne illness (which calls for veterinary assistance) include:

• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or depression
• Jaundice
• Pale gums (anemia)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Stiffness/limping
• Skin rashes
• Bruising or small blood spots underneath the skin

When Is Flea & Tick Season?

The flea and tick season can vary depending on your location and climate. In general, these pests are more active during warmer months, typically from spring to fall. However, in some regions with milder climates, they may be active year-round. It's important to prioritize flea and tick prevention.

To protect your pet from fleas and ticks, here are some preventive measures:

1. Use flea and tick control products: Consult with your veterinarian to choose the appropriate flea and tick preventive products for your pet. These may include spot-on treatments, oral medications, collars, or sprays. Follow the instructions carefully and use the products as directed to ensure maximum effectiveness.

2. Regular grooming: Regularly groom your pet by brushing their coat, as this helps to remove any fleas or ticks present. Use a fine-toothed comb to check for any signs of infestation. Additionally, bathing your pet with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo can help eliminate these pests.

3. Keep your environment clean: Vacuum your home regularly, paying special attention to areas where your pet spends time. Wash your pet's bedding and any fabric items they frequently use. This helps remove fleas, ticks, and their eggs from the environment.

4. Maintain your yard: Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the grass regularly and trimming shrubs or tall grass where fleas and ticks can hide. Remove any debris or potential hiding spots for pests. Consider using pet-safe yard sprays or treatments to further minimize the risk of infestation.

5. Avoid known infested areas: If possible, try to avoid areas with high flea and tick populations, such as wooded areas or tall grassy fields. If you visit such areas, perform a thorough check on your pet afterward and consider using preventive measures more diligently.

6. Regular veterinary check-ups: Schedule regular visits to your veterinarian for comprehensive examinations and to discuss flea and tick prevention strategies. They can recommend the most suitable products and provide guidance tailored to your pet's specific needs.

Heartworm Prevention & Treatment

Heartworm disease involves a parasite within an infected mosquito that transmits the worm’s microscopic larvae into your pet and can have fatal consequences. These larvae can develop into adult heartworms and attach themselves into the blood vessels, lungs, and heart of your pet, along with other organs. If left untreated, heartworms can lead to heart failure and even sudden death.

Signs & symptoms that your pet might be suffering from heartworm disease include:

• Persistent cough
• Lethargy/fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Abrupt weight loss
• Vomiting unprovoked by food
• Respiratory distress (breathing difficulties, wheezing, panting)

Contact us online or call our office at (908) 258-6339 to schedule your vet appointment today!