With improved summer weather just around the corner, vets in Yorkshire are reminding cat and dog owners to protect their pets from the misery of fleas, ticks and worms.<\/p>\n
Although they are a year-round concern, parasites such as ticks and fleas are much more prevalent as the weather gets warmer and pets begin to spend more time outdoors, warned Rachael McGregor, clinical director at Calder Vets, which has 12 branches across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
Ticks can infect animals, and their owners, with diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, a bacterial illness which causes flu-like symptoms.
\nPets can also get worms from fleas and ticks, while tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm can travel from pets to their owners and have potentially serious consequences for both.<\/p>\n
Rachael is now urging owners to check their pets carefully and make sure all preventative treatments are up-to-date to combat the risk of potentially serious health problems.<\/strong><\/p>\n She said: \u201cIt is really important owners protect their pets from fleas, ticks and worms as we head into summer and the risk of getting bitten increases as animals, like us, spend much more time outdoors.”<\/em><\/p>\n “Owners should regularly check their pet\u2019s coat for any signs of ticks or fleas by running their fingers through the fur or, even better, by using a fine-toothed comb.”<\/em><\/p>\n “They should also be on the look-out for any excessive scratching, itching and biting, which are classic signs of a problem, along with scabs, hair loss, allergic reactions and pale gums.”<\/em><\/p>\n “We\u2019d encourage anyone who hasn\u2019t already got preventative care in place to book an appointment with one of our vet nurses. This will ensure they get expert advice and information about appropriate treatments to keep their pets in the best possible health this summer and beyond.”<\/em><\/p>\n