Like most pet owners, you probably like to enjoy spending quality time with your pets outdoors in the Florida weather. Don't leave them at risk for any unwelcome visits from parasites like fleas and ticks. When flea invasions get out of control or when ticks hitch a ride with your pet, not only can these unfriendly parasites make your pets uncomfortable, they can also pose grave health risks.

Since fleas can survive year around in Florida by feeding on unprotected pets, and ticks are active whenever it is warm enough outside for them to crawl about their surroundings, preventive measures should be taken all year round. By undergoing measures to inhibit these outbreaks, the diseases these parasites transmit to pets and people can also be mitigated or prevented. 

Even though Lyme disease is not present in Florida, we do still see positive pets from time to time. There are several tick diseases that our on a rise like anaplasmosis and Ehrlichia. All three tick diseases are tested for annually with the heartworm 4DX by Idexx.

There are many safe and effective flea and tick control products available, and our veterinary team at West Coast will help you choose the correct preventive regimen based on your pets risk factors and health status.

Owner Education - Flea and Tick