Fleas and ticks cause obvious discomfort in our furry friends. Even in mild cases, they cause discomfort and itchy skin. Unfortunately, even minor cases often develop into serious infestations without prompt, professional treatment.

Ticks are commonly associated with Lyme Disease, but that isn’t the only tick-borne disease to worry about. They also spread Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other serious illnesses and infections. And many of these illnesses can affect humans in addition to pets. If your dog or cat brings ticks into your home, your entire family is at risk.

Fleas make pets itchy, and the itching is even more severe in pets allergic to flea saliva. Excessive scratching and skin chewing cause discomfort, pain, fur loss, and sometimes, secondary skin infections. In severe infestations, life-threatening anemia is even possible. Fleas can also carry other parasites. Flea larvae often ingest tapeworm eggs and carry them until adulthood. When your pet swallows an infected flea, they are infected with a tapeworm — a nasty internal parasite that damages the small intestine and robs your pet of vital nutrition, potentially leading to weight loss and/or malnutrition.

Prevention is the key to protecting your pet from fleas and ticks. While there are countless products, the best are the ones you can only purchase from your veterinarian. Veterinarian-quality flea and tick products have undergone extensive testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness, and they are the best choice when it comes to caring for your beloved pet.