Signs of a flea infestation that could be observed are:

• A pepper like substance on coat
• Scratching or excessive grooming
• Hair loss at base of tail
• Live fleas seen on your pet
• Tapeworms
  

Dogs and cats can both be affected by fleas. If you are observing any symptoms in your pet, talk to your doctor. If you are not seeing live fleas on your pet, this does not mean your pet doesn’t have fleas! Adult fleas only account for less than 5% of the flea population on your pet or in your home. Your pets can also get fleas even if they are only indoor. Fleas can hitch a ride into your house on your shoes or clothes or through screens in your windows. One adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs every day. A blood meal is required for eggs to be laid. Your first line of defense in eliminating fleas is by treating your pet- the source of the blood meal. We recommend treating your pet with a preventative year round.

​A microchip is a small device (about the size of a grain of rice) that is injected under the skin. This device has a specific number attached to it. When your pet is microchipped, your pet has now been assigned this unique number. Once the number is registered with the microchip company, your information is then linked to the number as well. This information can always be updated in the event that you move or change your phone number. If your pet ever gets lost and taken to a shelter or a veterinarian, they will use a microchip scanner to read the microchip under your pet’s skin. They can then look up the microchip number on national registries to find your information and reunite you with your pet!

Ticks can carry a variety of diseases that can be detrimental to your pet’s health including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis among others. Our area in particular is at high risk for Lyme disease. One in 7 dogs in our area test positive for Lyme disease. 

​Deer ticks that carry Lyme disease are incredibly small and often times go unnoticed on your pet. Ticks are commonly picked up by pets in areas with shrubs, long grass, trees, and can even be carried on mice. To help prevent these diseases in your pet, you can perform regular tick checks, steer clear of areas with long grass and shrubs, have your pet tested and vaccinated, and use tick preventative monthly.