Why is Flea and Tick Preventative Important for Dogs?

Fleas and ticks are more than just annoying little bugs; they can actually do quite a lot of damage to the health of your dog, your house, and your family. Fortunately, flea and tick prevention has become standard treatment to ensure your pet doesn’t fall victim to these insects. 

Several kinds of flea and tick medications are safe for your pet, so you’ll want to be sure to make this part of your dog’s regular wellness treatment. 

This article offers five great reasons to incorporate preventative flea and tick medication into your dog’s routine. 

Reasons Flea and Tick Preventative is So Important

You love your dog and prove it daily with hugs, treats, car rides, and so much more. The last thing you want is for an easily preventable health issue to arise because you didn’t give your pet a flea and tick treatment.

Administering this valuable preventative is vital, not only for health and safety reasons but financial ones, too. Here’s why…

Flea and tick medication will help prevent infestations

Fleas and ticks are common in almost every area of the US, and they can very quickly infest a pet. The bites can cause discomfort, itching, and potential health issues for your dog, other pets, and you. 

Flea and tick medication will help reduce the risk of disease

Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis. Below are symptoms you should look out for, as these illnesses can be severe. 

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Fatigue
• Joint swelling
• Lameness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Kidney complications

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include:

• Muscle and joint discomfort 
• Fever
• Coughing
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the face or legs
• Depression

Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

• Facial nerve paralysis
• Changes in bark quality and volume
• Aspiration pneumonia secondary to laryngeal dysfunction
• Difficulty or labored breathing 
• Decreased muscle tone

By preventing infestations, you can decrease the likelihood of your dog getting these diseases and experiencing their symptoms. 

Flea and tick medication will help protect your home

Not only can fleas and ticks infest your pet, but they can also infest your home. Fleas are hard to see and will accumulate in carpets, bed linens, and other upholstered furniture pieces, leading to itchy bites on those nearby- canine and otherwise. 

In many cases, a professional exterminator will need to come to an infested home to adequately get rid of the pests. Using flea and tick medication on your dog can help keep your house protected.

Flea and tick medication will help save money

Treating a dog for a flea or tick infestation can be expensive, especially if the infestation is severe. And if the pests have established residency in your house, that expense just increased. 

By preventing infestations in the first place, you can save money on vet bills and treatments, as well as an exterminator. 

Flea and tick medication will help improve your dog’s quality of life

Fleas and ticks often cause intense itching and discomfort, significantly reducing your dog’s quality of life. Playtime, sleep, and relaxation are necessary for your pet’s daily routine, and all three are compromised when infested with fleas and ticks.  

We know you want to do your best to ensure your dog is happy and comfortable; flea and tick medication is one responsible way to contribute to that end. 

Edgewater Animal Hospital for Your Pet’s Health

Our Alpharetta vet will help proactively support your dog’s health (and your outdoor cat’s health) by providing effective flea and tick treatment so you can feel confident while they enjoy the outdoors. 

We know you want what’s best for your pets, so don’t overlook this easy, affordable solution that prevents numerous discomforts for your dog, family, and wallet. 

If you have questions about the best flea and tick preventatives, we’re here to help.

Our Alpharetta veterinary clinic is dedicated to your pet’s well-being. Contact us to learn more about how you can keep your furry family members safe, happy, and healthy.