Fleas and ticks are common parasites found in the environment. They are a risk to pet and human health as they carry many diseases. It is important your pet is on preventative year-round to keep you and your fur babies healthy.

How does my pet get a flea or a tick?

Fleas originate in the environment and are most common during warmer times of the year. They thrive in shady, humid areas such as leaf piles, shrubbery, and wooded areas. Fleas can jump from an infested animal or environment onto your pet. If your pet is infected, it can lead to a flea infestation in your house. They can live in the carpet fibers and underneath furniture making it difficult to get rid of them.

Similarly, ticks are from the environment. Ticks flourish in tall grass, landscaping, and wooded areas. It was once thought ticks were only a summer pest, but they can be active all year long in as low as 40F. They attach as your pet walks by, dig into the skin and begin to feed. Ticks can be challenging to identify when they first attach, so it is important to prevent them in the first place.

What diseases do fleas and ticks carry?

Fleas can cause health concerns directly and by the diseases they carry. If a pet is sensitive to the flea bites once infested, they can get skin reactions known as flea allergy dermatitis. This causes intense itchiness which will lead to your pet scratching constantly and can lead to self-harm. Diseases they can carry include Bartonella (cat scratch fever), tapeworms, and more.

Ticks can cause local irritation to the skin when they bite your pet. The biggest concern are the diseases they carry such as Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and more. Each of these diseases can be transmitted from a few hours to days after a tick bite.

The diseases carried by fleas and ticks can be a health hazard to humans as well. It is important to protect your pet with year-round preventatives which will in turn protect you and your family.

Which preventative is the best for my pet?

It is important when choosing a preventative it is used as directed. If it is for dogs, then it should be only used on dogs. Some preventatives for dogs can be toxic to cats which is why it is imperative to use them as directed.

Below is a chart comparing the most common flea and tick preventatives. For a more inclusive list, please contact us to find the best preventative for your pet.

Dogs

Cats

As always, if you have any questions on choosing the right preventative for your pet and lifestyle, schedule an appointment with us!

References

1. Parasite Control . (2019). AAHA. Retrieved April 24, 2026, from https://www.aaha.org/resources/life-stage-canine-2019/parasite-control/

2. Safe Use of Flea and Tick Preventative Products. (n.d.). AVMA. Retrieved April 24, 2026, from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/safe-use-flea-and-tick-preventiveproducts

3. CAPC Guidelines. (n.d.). Companion Animal Parasite Council. Retrieved April 24, 2026, from https://capcvet.org/guidelines/fleas/