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Gehrman Animal Hospital

Pet Dental Health

Discussion of the importance of good dental health for the well-being of your pet
Gehrman News preventive Care

Our recommendations for vaccinations for your pet
   
Gehrman News Intestinal Parasites

How to recognize and prevent your pet contacting intestinal parasites

Gehrman Animal Hospital pharmacy affiliate
Your Vet's Pharmacy

The best flea and tick control is prevention. Because both fleas and ticks can carry disease and parasites, proper control can protect your pet from Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, intestinal parasites, and other conditions.

Fleas:
Fleas can be more than just a simple nuisance. They can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. With a single bite, a flea can infect your pet with tapeworm. Flea control is important not just for your pet, but also for your family's well being. Fleas bite humans too, and once they are in your carpet and bedding, it can be a difficult problem to resolve.

Persistent scratching is a sign that your pet has fleas. In a severe case, you may even see the fleas on your pet. Flea dirt or droppings will be easily visible if you part your pet's fur to the skin level.

In order to eradicate fleas from your pet, you must remove them from your home. Regular vacuuming, while not the best solution, will help keep flea populations low. Thoroughly vacuum your home, using your vacuum's attachments to get in cracks and crevices. In severe infestations, steam cleaning, or fogging your home may be necessary. Sounds like a lot of work? The key is for your pet not to get fleas in the first place.

Gehrman Animal Hospital recommends Frontline Plus© as a monthly application from April through October (through November for hunting dogs). To apply it, part the skin behind the back of your pet's neck and empty the entire vial onto the skin. Within 24 hours, 98-100% of all fleas and ticks on your pet will be eliminated. Because it is incorporated into the oil layer of the skin, it is waterproof. It is even safe for use on puppies and kittens. If you travel to warmer climates in the winter then consider using Frontline year around.

Unlike some products on the market, Frontline Plus© attacks all life stages of fleas and ticks. Each dose is effective for one month against fleas and ticks. Flea collars and fleas sprays do not offer the same comprehensive protection. Also, cats and dogs are different. Do not use a dog product on your cat. The consequences may be deadly.


Ticks:
Ticks present a risk to your pet throughout the warm months of spring through fall. Some species of ticks are active at different times of the year, so it's important to continue your tick control into the fall. Deer ticks, the carriers of Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis, are seen in Minnesota in the months of April through November.

In the Upper Midwest any tick bite has potential for disease. Common tick borne diseases include Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. A monthly application of Frontline Plus© will kill ticks present on your pet and provide residual protection.

To remove the tick, grab it with a pair of tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull gently straight up. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick.  Kill the tick in alcohol or insecticide before disposing of. Wash the area with a soap and water. If the site of the bite becomes red or swollen, contact us.
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