Fleas & Ticks In Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria And Phoenix, AZ
Fleas and ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, and unfortunately these parasites can spread disease and illness. Fleas can cause pruritus, allergy dermatitis, and tapeworms, while ticks can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Babesia canis.
Book OnlineMost important to dog owners in our area is Ehrlichiosis, also known as Tick Fever, spread by the Brown Dog Tick that’s commonly found in Arizona.
How Pets Get Fleas and Ticks
Dogs and cats generally pick up ticks because they’re out in the environment — walking through the woods or high grass. Ticks undergo what’s called “questing,” where they crawl up on low shrubs or grass, generally 18 to 24 inches off the ground, and wait. When a pet or person brushes by, the tick dislodges and gets on them. Ticks don’t climb trees; that’s an old myth. They can live well over a year without feeding.
Dogs and cats often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or contact with fleas in the environment. Fleas’ strong back legs allow them to jump from host to host (they don’t have wings and can’t fly). A flea’s bite causes itching for the host, but for a sensitive or flea-allergic animal, this itching can be severe, leading to hair loss, inflammation, and secondary skin infections. Fleas prefer temperatures of 65–80 degrees and humidity levels of 75–85 percent, so in warmer climates like ours they’re more than a “summer” problem.
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks
There are different methods of prevention, such as topical and oral medications. Prevention is our number one defense — effective, safe, and easy-to-use preventatives are available now to keep your pet flea and tick free. Catalina Animal Hospital, LLC carries products we highly recommend and find very safe for your cat or dog. We also advise treating inside and outside your house, and clearing your yard of tall grass, debris, and piles of wood to help prevent these pests.
Flea and tick prevention pairs well with heartworm prevention and intestinal parasite control as part of a complete parasite prevention plan.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (602) 269-8969.
Fleas & Ticks: Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases can fleas and ticks cause in pets?
Fleas can cause itching, allergy dermatitis, and tapeworms, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tick Fever (Ehrlichiosis).
Where do pets typically pick up ticks?
Ticks wait on low grass and shrubs and attach when a pet brushes past. They don’t climb trees or jump onto pets from above.
Are fleas only a summer problem in Arizona?
No, fleas thrive in warm temperatures, so in areas like Phoenix they can be a year-round concern rather than a strictly seasonal one.
What are the signs my pet has fleas or ticks?
Excessive scratching, hair loss, skin irritation, and visible pests in the coat are common signs of a flea or tick infestation.
What is Tick Fever and how serious is it?
Tick Fever (Ehrlichiosis) is spread by the Brown Dog Tick and can cause listlessness, loss of appetite, and enlarged lymph nodes, though some dogs show no symptoms.
How can I prevent fleas and ticks in my home?
Use a veterinarian-recommended preventative, treat both indoor and outdoor areas, and keep your yard clear of tall grass, debris, and wood piles.
How do I start my pet on flea and tick prevention?
Call Catalina Animal Hospital, LLC at (602) 269-8969, and our team will recommend a safe, effective product for your pet.
Protect Your Pet From Fleas & Ticks
Start a prevention plan today — call Catalina Animal Hospital, LLC at (602) 269-8969.
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