Flea & Tick Prevention

Flea & Tick Prevention and Treatment with our Baltimore Veterinarian

Dog scratching due to fleas and ticks

Dogs and cats can both get fleas and ticks, but they do not have to. Modern methods of flea and tick prevention are extremely effective, and although it requires a little more work, there are equally effective tick and flea treatment options available if your pet already has parasites. The biggest problem is often deciding which of the many products on the market is best for your pet, and our veterinary clinic in Baltimore can help you with that.

Why Tick and Flea Prevention is So Important

Fleas and ticks both carry diseases, some of which can be spread to human beings. Aside from this, they can make our pets extremely uncomfortable. Once fleas or ticks get into an environment such as your home, it can be challenging to get them out, so it is best to focus on prevention before you have a problem.

Types of Flea and Tick Preventatives

There are a number of application methods available for flea and tick preventatives:

  • Oral
  • Topical (spot-on)
  • Spray
  • Collar

Oral medications may prevent fleas or fleas and other parasites. However, there are currently no oral medications available for tick prevention.

Topical spot-on medications are widely available and effective. Some only treat fleas, while others treat fleas, ticks, and even heartworm, intestinal worms, and mites. Sprays are less convenient in general but can be useful when dealing with an infestation. Collars are variable in efficacy. Treatment time varies from every day to every few months.

Tick and flea treatment methods come in both prescription and non-prescription types. It is best to ask our veterinarian which option is ideal for your pet, whether you decide to go with a prescription or OTC product. It is very important that dog products never be used on cats, as cats are sensitive to some chemicals that are not harmful to dogs.

How a Veterinarian Can Help

Because there is a wide array of products available for preventing and treating flea and tick problems, your veterinarian will be an invaluable resource in determining which is best for your pet. When discussing the topic with your veterinarian, ask both which products our veterinarian recommends and why. We can offer you advice based on what we see working or not working well in the Baltimore area, as well as for your specific type of pet.

Get In Touch With Our Baltimore Veterinarian Today

To make an appointment with The Village Vet in Baltimore, call us today at (410) 367-8111. Tick and flea prevention are important topics, and we recommend that all pet owners discuss them regularly with our veterinary professionals. We can also help with treatment if things have gotten out of hand and it is too late for preventatives.